''The executioners' song'': Listening to downsizers reflect on their experiences

Author(s): Barling, J.

Journal/Book: Can J Adm Sci. 1998; 15: Concordia Univ, Fac Commerce & Administration 1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd West, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8, Canada. Administrative Sciences Assoc Canada. 339-355.

Abstract: Substantial research attention has been directed to the victims and survivors of layoffs; however the downsizers themselves have escaped similar attention. We conducted in-depth interviews with 10 downsizers to try and understand what effects, if any are associated with laying others off Several themes emerged consistently, suggesting that downsizing others is professionally demanding and leads to role overload a sear ch for meaning, social and organizational isolation, a decline in personal well-being, and decreased family functioning. Similarities and differences in the experiences of survivors and their executioners, and executioners and ''jury members'' are considered, and the question of why downsizers have not been studied previously is posed. We conclude by presenting an ''outcome'' model that describes the stages of this experience for downsizers, and we begin to identify strategies for ensuring downsizers' organizational effectiveness and personal well-being, as well as a research agenda.

Note: Article Wright B, St Francis Xavier Univ, Sch Business Adm & Informat Syst, Antigonish, NS, CANADA

Keyword(s): JOB INSECURITY; ROLE AMBIGUITY; ROLE-CONFLICT; WORK; LAYOFFS; SURVIVORS; SUPPORT; STRESS; MODEL; CONSEQUENCES

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