Ford

Overall, Ford still believes in its people and, to a certain extent, the extended Ford "family". It tries its best to put people's work first, offering good benefits, some tuition assistance programs, and flexible schedules/work days (4 day/10 hour) despite economic hardship in the industry. Some of these programs have probably been axed due to budget cuts, but even despite its size, the management is still family operated.

Unfortunately, the industry is just not a growing sector. The American automotive sector is on the decline, of which there are many reasons. The large bureaucracy/organizational structures created in the 50's stifle risk-taking, creativity, and innovation.

Also, the outdated concept of the UAW (Note: research non-unionized plants in the US owned by foreign competitors, BMW/Toyota, and how much more nimble they are to adapt, especially to flexible manufacturing).

Invest in flexible manufacturing and R&D, and take some risks.

Encourage innovation and creativity.

Work with smaller program teams that do more.

Break down "chimney" organizations and streamline decision-making.

Negotiate HARD with the UAW. The average UAW worker benefits are killing profit margins, and white-collar workers are suffering as a result. These are benefits our foreign competitors, who hire scabs/non-UAW, do not face. Let the UAW know that without the company, the factory doesn't exist. We all float or sink together.