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Effects of Downsizing Essay

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Effects of Downsizing

Downsizing has been known by several different names, in the late 1970's and the early 1980's it was called reduction-in-force, as of late it has been called restructuring government, privatization, contracting out and last but not least downsizing. "In the public sector it is called "privatization". In business it is called "downsizing. Otherwise it's known as "contracting out." Code words change but the intent is the same." (DIAF 99) Public governments seem to think that using Downsizing, privatization or contracting out are the best ways to balance or cut money from the budget. In actuality the worker is being hurt in his economic pocket. Downsizing, privatization, and contracting out have caused the workers …show more content…

Federal, state and local governments are using downsizing as a means of saving money and balancing the budget. At the same time the government is cutting back on jobs and freezing positions, the government is equipping themselves with the latest advancement in technology. The money spent on upgrading this technology could save several jobs. Technology is important and should be updated on a regular basis but not at the expense of someone being without a job.

"Over the past five years, downsizing has wiped out hundreds of thousand of jobs, disrupted the lives of employees and changed the face of employment. (C&EN 1996) Globalization, consolidation, computerization and diversement have resulted in dramatic changes in employment. College graduates are finding themselves in jobs that once were held by people with only a high school education. The jobs that are being created today are lower paying jobs requiring little or no basic skills. To get the higher paying jobs you will need a Masters Degree or higher.

President Clinton envisioned downsizing as going hand in hand with the reinvention of government. Clinton's administration determined that streamlining government could render a couple of hundred thousand positions thought to be important as unnecessary.

These positions consisted of clerks, budget analyst, and management positions. Downsizing is also a means to eliminate unproductive workers with little or no backlash from employee unions. Reducing

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