Question

________ are managers who were successful in their early careers but were knocked off the fast track by the time they reached the middle to upper levels of management.

Answer 1

Managers knocked off the fast track may have been part of the 'petty bourgeoisie' and faced challenges due to corporate conformity, outsourcing, and economic changes. William H. Whyte's 'The Organization Man' criticizes the notion that conformity leads to success, reflecting the complexities of the corporate world and job market.

Step-by-step explanation:

The individuals described in the question are managers who were successful in their early careers but faced career stagnation or derailment as they reached mid to upper levels of management. These managers may have been part of the vulnerable group known as the 'petty bourgeoisie,' which faced economic uncertainty and the risk of downward social mobility. During post-World War II industrial expansion, many middle-class individuals worked in corporate environments that emphasized conformity. William H. Whyte, in his book 'The Organization Man,' criticized the expectation that conformity would lead to success and fulfillment. Furthermore, the job market has undergone significant changes due to factors such as outsourcing and the reduction in the number of managerial positions as companies streamline their structures and industries merge. Highly educated individuals, even those in skilled positions like computer programming, have not been immune to job displacement as a result of globalization and the shifting economic landscape.