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[问答题]Passage 15Questions 8—12　　● Read the article below about downsizing.　　● Choose the best sentence from the opposite page to fill each of the gaps.　　● For each gap (8—12), mark one letter (A—G) on your Answer Sheet.　　● Do not use any letter more than once.　　● There is an example at the beginning, (0).Downsizing　　Of increasing importance to organizations in today’s competitive environment is HRM’s role in downsizing or “rightsizing.” (0)______　　In spite of the increasing frequency of downsizing, research reveals that it is far from universally successful for achieving the goals of increased productivity and increased profitability. (8)______.Also, research by the consulting firm Mitchell & Company found that companies that downsized during the l980s lagged the industry average stock price in l991. Thus, it is important to understand the best ways of managing downsizings, particularly from the standpoint of the HR function’s role.　　Downsizing presents a number of challenges and opportunities for HRM. In terms of challenges, the HR function must “surgically” reduce the work force by cutting only the workers who are less valuable in their performance. (9)______. For example, in l992 General Motors and the United Auto Workers agreed to an early retirement program for individuals between the ages of 51 and 65 who have been employed for 10 or more years. The program entails providing those who agree to retire with their full pension benefits, even if they obtain employment elsewhere, and as much as $13, 000 toward the purchase of a GM car.　　Early retirement programs, although humane, essentially reduce the work force with a “grenade” approach. (10)______.. In fact, recent research indicates that when companies downsize by offering early retirement programs, they usually end up rehiring to replace essential talent within a year. Often the company does not achieve its cost-cutting goals because it spends 50 to 150 percent of the departing employee’s salary in hiring and retraining new workers.　　Another HR challenge is to boost the morale of employees who remain after the reduction. Survivors may feel guilt over keeping their jobs when their friends have been laid off, or they may envy their friends who have retired with attractive severance pay and pension benefits. (11)______.. Thus, the HR function must maintain open communication with remaining employees to build their trust and commitment.　　In spite of these challenges, downsizing provides opportunities for HRM. First, it often allows the company to “get rid of dead wood” and make way for fresh ideas. In addition, downsizing is often a unique opportunity to change an organization’s culture. (12)______.. Finally, downsizing can demonstrate from top-management decision makers the value of the company’s human resources to its ultimate success.　　A. In firms characterized by antagonistic labor-management relations, downsizing can force the parties to cooperate and to develop new, positive relationships.　　B. Such a measure can also reduce insecurity and unite staff in recognizing the positive elements of downsizing.　　C. This type of reduction does not distinguish between good and poor performers but rather eliminates an entire group of employees.　　D. Achieving this is difficult because the best workers are most able (and often willing) to find alternative employment and may leave voluntarily prior to any layoff.　　E. Their reduced satisfaction with and commitment to the organization may interfere with work performance.　　F. A survey by the AMA found that over two-thirds of the companies that downsize repeat the effort a year later.　　G. The number of organizations undergoing downsizing has increased significantly. 确定

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