The following appeared as part of a recommendation by one of the directors of the Beta Company.
The Alpha Company has just reduced its workforce by laying off fifteen percent of its employees in all divisions and at all levels, and it is encouraging early retirement for other employees. As you know, the Beta Company manufactures some products similar to Alphas, but our profits have fallen over the last few years. To improve Betas competitive position, we should try to hire a significant number of Alphas former workers, since these experienced workers can provide valuable information about Alphas successful methods, will require little training, and will be particularly motivated to compete against Alpha.
Discuss how well reasoned... etc.
A director of Beta Company suggests that Beta can improve its competitive position by hiring a significant number of former Alpha Company employees who have recently retired or been laid off. The directors reasoning is that because Alpha manufactures some products similar to Betas, former Alpha employees would be experienced and need little training, could provide valuable information about Alphas successful methods, and would be particularly motivated to compete against Alpha. The directors argument is problematic in several respects.
First of all, the argument presupposes that Alphas methods are successful. This is not necessarily the case. To the contrary, the fact that Alpha has laid off 15 percent of its employees in every division and at every level suggests that Alphas methods may have been unsuccessful and that downsizing was necessary for the company to minimize financial losses.
Secondly, the director assumes that the former Alpha employees hired by Beta will be well-trained and valuable. During a typical lay-off, however, the best and most experienced employees are typically the last to be laid off. By following the directors advice, Beta would probably be hiring Alphas least efficient and least experienced employeesthat is, those who would be least valuable to Beta.
Thirdly, the author assumes that Alpha and Beta are sufficiently similar so that former Alpha employees could provide special value for Beta. However, we are informed only that Beta manufactures some products similar to Alphas. It is possible that former Alpha employees have experience with only a small segment of Betas product line, and thus have little inside information of any value to Beta.
Finally, the claim that former Alpha employees would be motivated to compete against Alpha is partially unwarranted. While many of those who were laid off may be so motivated, those who retired early from Alpha probably departed on good terms with Alpha, and would in any event be unmotivated to reenter the work force.
In conclusion, the argument fails to provide key facts needed to assess it. To better evaluate the directors suggestion, we would need more information about why Alpha reduced its work force, what type of workers left Alpha and under what circumstances, and how similar Alphas range of products is to Betas.
安娜尼科尔透露最新消息
Simpsons autographed high-heeled leather boots on eBay
Jolie: more kids, no wedding
LA DA: Lohan wont be charged with theft
Bollywood stars wed in Hindu ceremony
Lace, a shinbone among Depps ideas for pirate fashion
Time Magazine unveils worlds 100 most influential people
Topless Britney Spears thanks fans for support
Keira and Sienna are beachy keen on each other
Beyonces special edition hits copyright snag
Johansson likes to flirt, be mysterious
林赛·罗韩陷入可卡因丑闻
Angelina Jolie fights to save misuse of Shilohs name
Cruise to raise funds for rescue workers
Sheryl Crow adopts a baby boy
Britney Spears pens personal Web message
Barton: Dont compare me to Richie
克里斯蒂娜散发迷人香气
Lindsay Lohan booked on suspicion of DUI
Aniston and Vaughn rekindling their romance?
Holmes threatens legal action over imposter
Jolie urges U.S. to boost aid to orphans
娱乐英语资讯:Moss expects second sell out
Kate Mosss crowning glory
凯特·摩丝裸体照被拍卖
Ashlee Simpsons plastic surgery a personal choice
Fan ordered to stay away from Bullock
Jennifer Aniston and Vince plan romantic reunion in Chicago
Britney Spears goes cruising
Lindsay Lohan tops Maxim `Hot 100 list
| 不限 |
| 英语教案 |
| 英语课件 |
| 英语试题 |
| 不限 |
| 不限 |
| 上册 |
| 下册 |
| 不限 |