In Italy, more than 70,000 middle- and upper-level managers have been laid off since 1992.

"These upper-level managers were telling us, 'O.K., go for it.' "

A recruiting tool that had been limited to upper-level managers, highly skilled technicians and athletes, it is spreading today to many others, even civil servants.

In some industries, particularly publishing and fashion, upper-level managers long ago gave up any pretense of productivity and officially give everyone the week off - including themselves.

She replied that the agency had taken various steps to cut costs and that pay of upper-level managers was set by federal law.

Fourteen percent of middle- and upper-level managers are female.

Their study found upper-level female managers were rated more negatively than men in similar or lower positions and females in lower management positions.

Not to be confused with employment agencies, the firms help individuals who have lost jobs, usually middle- or upper-level managers.

-were not exactly upper-level managers at Tethercorp.

But documents filed by plaintiffs suggest that the practice was carried out with the knowledge of at least some upper-level managers.