When 'big' business becomes 'too big'

From james, san antonio, tx

Tell Mr. Meadow that by his company growing, he will help his employees and this country continue what his father originally did. Those people will be able to live the american dream, be able to live a comfortable life, send thier kids to school and continue the cycle of improving the economy….which leads to people giving to good causes, expanding the economy and whent he economy expands everyone wins.

From Hilary Kaye

Hello Dr. Stein (and his editors) –

Just wanted to say that I just read the Dec. 20 column and I was impressed with both the content and writing style. Congrats on both.
I had just seen a mention of it on the NAWBO website and expected to find something either esoteric or not very interesting. A good read. Will look forward to reading future ones.

Best Regards,
Hilary Kaye, President
HKA, Inc.

From Jill, Long Island, NY

There are a number of reasons one might equate "big" with "sucky", not necessarily relating to the executive's psyche. More objective reasons for equating the two have to do with the need for increased levels of bureacracy and decreased levels of flexibility, since the executives can no longer make every decision on a case by cases when the company is too large. Also, the executives are less likely to be acquainted with each employee at lower levels; when the people who have the largest stake in rewarding employees based on high levels of performance are not making decisions themselves but are instead relying on reports from middle-level managers, there is room for more unfairness in raises, promotions, etc. Executives may make decisions on which jobs to cut with little knowledge of any given lower-level employee's dedication, industriousness, quality of work, willingness to go the extra mile, etc.