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The downsides of downsizing: communication processes and information needs in the aftermath of a workforce reduction strategy

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 06:38 authored by Dennis TourishDennis Tourish, Neil Paulsen, Elizabeth Hobman, Prashant Bordia
This study explored the impact of downsizing on levels of uncertainty, coworker and management trust, and communicative effectiveness in a health care organization downsizing during a 2-year period from 660 staff to 350 staff members. Self-report data were obtained from employees who were staying (survivors), from employees were being laid off (victims), and from employees with and without managerial responsibilities. Results indicated that downsizing had a similar impact on the amount of trust that survivors and victims had for management. However, victims reported feeling lower levels of trust toward their colleagues compared with survivors. Contrary to expectations, survivors and victims reported similar perceptions of job and organizational uncertainty and similar levels of information received about changes. Employees with no management responsibilities and middle managers both reported lower scores than did senior managers on all aspects of information received. Implications for practice and the management of the communication process are discussed.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Management Communication Quarterly

ISSN

0893-3189

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Issue

4

Volume

17

Page range

485-516

Department affiliated with

  • Business and Management Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2017-06-13

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    University of Sussex (Publications)

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