Now reduce every government department by 10% (for starters). Americans will see no difference in efficiency or effectiveness. At least not a negative difference.
“Now reduce every government department by 10% (for starters). Americans will see no difference in efficiency or effectiveness. At least not a negative difference.”
I agree 100%. During my business career I observed several corporate downsizings, usually driven by new CEO’s. Most were at least 10%. In all cases productivity improved:
1) The people cut were generally unproductive or troublemakers.
2) With fewer employees executives and managers were forced to do a better job of evaluating and prioritizing work. Unnecessary projects and unproductive programs were cut.
3) Fear is a great motivator. Many average employees improved their productivity in order to move out of the target zone for future cutbacks.
4) Managers became better evaluators of people and less tolerant of slack performers.
5) Teamwork improved. Employee peer pressure became directed against associates who did not want to collaborate in achieving corporate objectives.
6) Executives became focused on improving working conditions and morale.
Corporate America went through waves of downsizing during the 1980’s, 1990’s, and 2000’s. The federal bureaucracy was never downsized, despite the widespread adoption of productivity improving technology (personal computer, internet). Likely the government could absorb a 20-25% cut without an impact.
Cutting must include the contractors infesting every department.