Firms traditionally claim that they

downsize (i.e., make permanent

personnel cuts) for economic reasons,

Line laying off supposedly unnecessary staff

(5) in an attempt to become more efficient

example of the “economic rationality”

(10) zational activities. There is evidence

(15) are often negative for firms. Thus,

(20) downsizing into a powerful business

myth: managers simply believe that

downsizing is efficacious. Moreover,

(25) press often refers to soaring stock

(30) Once viewed as a sign of desperation,

in the global marketplace; such signals

are received positively by key actors—

(35) financial analysts, consultants,

shareholders—who supply firms with

vital organizing resources. Thus, even

if downsizers do not become economi-

cally more efficient, downsizing’s mythic

(40) properties give them added prestige

Q34:

The primary purpose of the passage is to