From Riches to Rags at a Time of Prosperity

Download or read book From Riches to Rags at a Time of Prosperity written by Frederick Zimmerman and published by F & J Zimmerman Co. This book was released on 2011-08-05 with total page 172 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Within the framework of an increasingly troubled world, this manuscript presents a series of essays written over a twenty-year period offering some practical, non-partisan suggestions as to how our country, and other countries like it can pull together to improve the situations of our citizens, our nation, and our communities. The book suggests that the solutions to the problems we face do not fit neatly into any one political camp, but instead require innovation, system redesign, and fair mindedness on the part of both politicians and citizens. Informed world citizens are demanding far more objective analyses of our policies, our actions, and the values we employ in pursuing the policies we do. Should those of us in leadership fail to provide those valuable insights, the world is likely to deprive us of our leadership role. The title, From Riches to Rags at a Time of Prosperity, was purposely chosen. There is still time for us to modify our behavior. But, if we misread or ignore world events, we will be poorer as the time available for improvement is quite finite. The United States is currently the world's largest debtor by a substantial margin. Our prosperity is largely based on the rapid depletion of liquid fossil fuels which are likely to be virtually fully exhausted this century. Our education system is sub-par. Our retirement promises are vastly in excess of what we can afford. Our environment is eroding. Though most US citizens are comparatively prosperous at the moment, we are gradually transitioning to much less prosperous circumstances From Riches to Rags at a Time of Prosperity.The book is divided into eight major parts. The Introduction includes a brief history of some of the earlier writings in the field of management with particular emphasis on our responsibilities as managers. Part Two deals with the economy and what we may have to do to sustain prosperity for the world's citizens. Part Three includes some essays written in response to the euphoria of the stock markets. part Four deals with manufacturing and its role in an integrated society. Part Five discusses the role of business management in a wholesome society along with some suggestions and caveats for the practice of management. Part Six reviews the importance of education and the responsibilities of those of us who are educators. Part Seven deals with a few of the nation's pressing public policy questions. Part Eight closes with a question: Will real leadership emerge?