posted on Jun, 8 2005 @ 11:45 AM
Well, as a GM retiree, let me put in my two cents.
In the 1970's and before, GM was a Leader, Powerful and Dynamic. This was the time when it was said that "What's good for GM is good for the
country."
In the 1980's something shifted. Yes, the company was still huge, but they "ran with the pack", not such a leader anymore.
In the 1990's they were struggling to find their way. It was like they were lost without a roadmap, and everybody wanted to go their own way.
In the 2000's reality is setting in. A combination of, among other things, the Economy, Corporate short-sightedness, and Unions is exposing
vulnerability.
The Union has given concessions in the past, only to see experienced Management Personnel cast aside and replaced by College Grads who lack the needed
experience for their jobs. As a former Assembly Line worker, I can tell you that this weakens worker morale. This adds to the downward spiral.
I am not sure what the answer is, but I suspect that respected, experienced leadership is needed and sorely lacking. It is good to see that not all of
the experienced personnel are gone, but will those who remain be enough to do the needed things? Will they be in the position to do whatever they
must?