Interpretations of "downsizing": In their own words

Michele Joanne Geiger, Purdue University

Abstract

Although downsizings are common, few investigations have been made into the interpretation process of employees while they were in the process of losing their jobs due to a downsizing. I was contracted by a major manufacturing facility to provide outplacement assistance for "dislocated" hourly union employees during a downsizing. The organization was a family-owned manufacturing business and had been the major employer in the town for over 100 years before it was sold to an international corporation and eventually downsized. Over a nine month period I listened to, took note of, and recorded employee discussions about the downsizing. Employees reported both positive and negative interpretations of downsizing (i.e., opportunity, unemployment, retirement, moving, less money, better hours, etc.). This narrative emphasizes the importance of advance notice of downsizings, the difficulties associated with a change in the organizational leadership (in this case from a "hands on"/family approach to a "corporate"/team approach), the crucial empathic and validating role storytelling can play during organizational changes.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Webb, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Communication|Management

COinS