RECESSION BENFITS: RECESSION BENEFITS

They Bring Better Management

THE recession has taught many a U.S. company one important fact: the boom had larded corporate muscle with fat. Now, in working off the fat, businessmen are finding some of the benefits of adversity. These go far beyond merely trimming payrolls and such obvious economies as light, telephone and office-supply bills. Each day the recession continues, business must look harder at its policies, products, production, and—most of all—sales executive talent. "In a boom, it's hard to pick smart young executives," said one corporate boss. "Everyone looks good because the...