This 9 page paper provides an overview of the downsizing as has occurred at GM. How can the company treat their employees in an ethical manner? A proposal is provided. Bibliography lists 3 sources.
Name of Research Paper File: RT13_SA834GM.rtf
Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
Although Michael Moore does exaggerate, it is also the case that with exaggeration usually lies a kernel of truth. In this case, it seems that there might be some truth
to the idea that perhaps the layoffs at General Motors plants were unnecessary. Could the company have done something different? The concept of downsizing does have many ethics ramifications. GM
has been engaged in downsizing in the past, and just recently in June of 2008, a significant announcement would surprise the nation. Again, GM is downsizing. What are the ethical
implications of that? What can GM do to create an ethical model for change? II. Issue Clarification It was reported in June of 2008 that GM did announce
it would shut down four SUV and truck manufacturing plants (Isidore, 2008). Each of the plants employ thousands of people (Isidore, 2008). In part, the decision is based on the
fact that gas prices will remain high and that consumers prefer vehicles that are more efficient when it comes to the usage of gasoline (Isidore, 2008). Certain products made by
GM are very large and inefficient. The current CEO Rick Wagoner noted that the company plans to create more fuel-efficient cars (Isidore, 2008). The plant closing, for Isidore (2008),
suggests that depending on pickup trucks and SUVs for sustenance is no longer a viable option. That is, the things that made GM profitable is no longer a good strategy.
A spokesman for GM says that the firm believes that high gas prices, and higher small car sales will be the norm (Isidore, 2008). In many ways, the move
makes sense. Also, GM has announced that they will manufacture a new automobile, which is the Chevrolet Volt (Isidore, 2008). It is a hybrid car and will reach the public