Off-Shoring the Middle Class: Managing White-Collar Job Migration to Asia

Steve Mushero
Virtualbookworm.com Publishing (2006)
ISBN 9781589399136
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (6/07)


Steve Mushero, in “Off-Shoring the Middle Class,” takes an in-depth look into the off-shoring of white collar service jobs in all aspects.  He looks at the current situation and presents an analysis of potential solutions.  He carefully examines various options open to the American entrepreneurs and government economists.

Modern economics is at a crossroads.  Mushero begins by showing the current status of the American white collar job movement to Asia and the forces at work impacting this movement.  I found the chapter on Educational Globalization especially significant.  As the US is losing leadership in scientific circles there is a related impact on research and development and cutting edge technology.

Mushero gives specific illustrations to demonstrate the cost cutting effect of off-shoring services in the manufacturing, entertainment, and white collar clerical industries.  He then goes on to highlight the high cost of doing nothing to offset the trend of globalization in the job market.

Rising unemployment, psychological effects on American workers and wage deflation are among the costly results.  Long-term challenges that go with lower wages include a lower tax base and the impact this will have on pensions and social security benefits.

Steve’s analysis of the benefits of off-shoring adds a positive note to negative arguments of protectionists, anti-globalizers, and nationalists. He describes the fundamental challenge this way:  “The challenge then is to move to, or even create, markets where Americans can thrive or perhaps even dominate the foreign competition.”

This will require concerted efforts at three levels: governments, corporations, and individuals.  Innovation and invention must become the new watchwords to fulfilling the American dream. According to Mushero, “…cultural awareness is the capstone of globalizing the population.”

Today, off-shoring effects society at every level.  Steve Mushero suggests a course of action for public policy, innovative education, and creative entrepreneurship.  Following the policies and principles set forth in this book will point government, corporations, and individuals on the road to competing in the 21st Century.  Steve closes the book with which will encourage the reader to never underestimate the importance of education, preparation, flexibility, and hard work.

Steve Mushero is fast becoming the authoritative voice on off-shoring. As Steve continues to gain recognition, “Off-Shoring the Middle Class” is destined to become accepted as the guidebook on off-shoring. The book is well articulated, important and timely, a must read for every white collar worker in America.

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