When businesses begin to see a difficult economic situation, they look for ways to reduce expenses and overcome their financial difficulties. N. Fredric Crandall, founder of the Center for Workforce Effectiveness, says most organizations find themselves faced with the difficult task of downsizing at some point (3). Additionally, he says payroll remains at the top of the list of harmful expenses; it is many times the largest business owned by any company (5). As the economy swings between its ups and downs, U.S. businesses are seeking financial stability through layoffs rather than other employee-friendly processes. In American society, the act of redundancy in terms of seeking financial stability has been present for many years. Louis Uchitelle, business and economics editor of the New York Times, provides an overview of the history of layoffs and financial benefits granted to the American company. Before 1980, layoffs were most often associated with declines in production and sales, with laid-off workers returning or being recalled to work as conditions improved (4). In the 1980s, a greater proportion of layoffs were due to the shutdown of factory and office operations and were, therefore, permanent (4). As the economy improved in the 1990s, layoffs continued, even at profitable companies, indicating a change in past practices ( 4 – 5 ). What drives American businesses to seek a means of financial stability in today's society? Among the leading causes of layoffs and financial instability for U.S. businesses are technological advances, international competition, changing customer demands, economic downturn, and inadequate business management. Although these lands can be considered an ally for the business, they have their downside, American companies, clearly seeing the advantages, can find financial stability in the world. economic situation. Works Cited Calabresi, Massimo. “The ripple effect.” Hour 174.11 (09/21/2009): 32-34. Print.Crandall, N. Fredric. The Workforce Solution: How to Reduce Compensation Costs and Retain the Best People. New York: McGraw–Hill, 2003. PrintDowns, Alan. Management miracles. Boston: Prentice Hall, 51-53. PrintHironimus – Wendt, Robert J. “The Social Costs of Worker Displacement.” Social policy. Spring/Summer 2007: 83 – 89. Print. Uchitelle, Louis. The disposable American: layoffs and their consequences. New York: Knopf, 2006. Print.Tuna, Cari. “Weigh holidays and vacations. Termination." Wall Street Journal April 13, 2009: B6. Internet. Jan. 29, 2011. < http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123938638933208987.html>