Business Quote by Barbara Ehrenreich
““Then, in the 1980's, came the paroxysm of downsizing, and the very nature of the corporation was thrown into doubt. In what began almost as a fad and quickly matured into an unshakable habit, companies were 'restructuring,' 'reengineering,' and generally cutting as many jobs as possible, white collar as well as blue . . . The New York Times captured the new corporate order succintly in 1987, reporting that it 'eschews loyalty to workers, products, corporate structures, businesses, factories, communities, even the nation. All such allegiances are viewed as expendable under the new rules. With survival at stake, only market leadership, strong profits and a high stock price can be allowed to matter'.””
About This Quote
Source Article: The New York Times, 1987, “Corporate Restructuring and the Paroxysm of Downsizing”
The quote describes how 1980s corporate downsizing turned loyalty and traditional values into expendable assets, focusing solely on profit and market dominance.
In simple terms: Companies abandoned loyalty, prioritizing profit and market share.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize sustainable, people‑centric business practices.
Themes
corporate culture
downsizing
loyalty
profit focus
Mood
critical
analytical
concerned
Type
analytical
critical
commentary
When to use this quote
- executive decision making
- HR policy
- investor relations
- employee advocacy
Key Concepts
market capitalism
organizational behavior
economic pressure
Questions to Reflect On
- How can firms balance profit with employee well‑being?
- What alternative metrics could replace stock price as success indicators?
A Different Perspective
Short‑term profit focus can damage long‑term resilience and societal trust.
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