German consultants discuss reunification and employment

Abstract

Since November 1989, East Germany (like other former eastern bloc nations) has found that economic progress has come at a slow and painful pace. These efforts, however, have been unique since they have involved reunification with sisters and brothers in the west. A three‐year study was conducted with German business consultants, many of whom are involved in either outplacement or career development services. The study is in two phases: face‐to‐face interviews in Germany in early 1993; and follow‐up surveys and telephone contacts between November 1995 and January 1996. Results indicate that reunification has so far resulted in growth of GDP and that East Germans are as a whole a talented group that are integrating into the economy. However, adjustment to a capitalist economy continues to be difficult psychologically for these employees and unemployment continues to remain fairly high throughout Germany. Their experiences also appear to reflect a greater trend globally ‐ powerful economies unable to create enough quality jobs for their populace, which then leads to job loss or fear of job loss. Knowledge of these results can assist career professionals in working with the workforce in Germany, as well as in other nations recovering from the Soviet regime.