Provides a comprehensive analysis of cynicism in the workforce and tells how to identify and successfully combat it in organizations. Offers case studies of companies ranging from Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream to Unisys and Caterpillar Tractor to show how businesses of all types and sizes can effectively rebuild trust and restore confidence in organizational life.

Part 1: Signs of cynicism

The cynical people

The cynical organization

The cynical society

Part 2: Roots of cynicism

The growth of cynicism in American industry

The failed promise of modern organization

Managerial evangelism and exploitation

Part 3: Consequences of cynicism

Profiles of today's cynics

Cynical attitudes about work, management, and organizations

Cynicism versus traditional values about work

Part 4: Remedies for cynicism

Creating work cultures that counter cynicism

Regaining trust and restoring credibility

Communicating effectively with a cynical work force

Epilogue: A basis for optimism

Appendixes

A. Composition of survey sample

B. Measures of life attitudes

C. Measures of work-related attitudes

D. Cynicism in the U.S. population

E. Cynics' profile

F. Cynics in the work force

G. Cynics' attitudes toward work

H. Predictors of attitudes toward work