Downsizing Issues

by Manson,Bonita J.

• ISBN13: 9780815335252
• ISBN10: 0815335253
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2000-11-14
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

This book examines the impact of downsizing on employee morale and productivity. Downsizing, due to economic changes, has played an integral part in business, the public sector, and schools. No longer are companies inclined to maintain the status quo for the sake of employee loyalty. Downsizing has have resulted in the lives and careers of employees being destroyed. The purpose of this study was to provide insight on the perception of the work environment in light of downsizing in the states of California and Illinois Cooperative Extension. The primary role of Extension is to plan pertinent programs that are effective in meeting the educational needs of the community in agriculture, family and consumer studies, and youth development. This study focuses on how to maintain professional competencies with less staff. Data was provided by the Manson's Workplace Environment Analysis Inventory, and original instrument, to secure reactions of employees in a downsized environment, specifically on morale,survivor job security, and trust. The findings suggested that even though there were discrepancies between the employees' and management's perceptions of morale and survivors job security, they did share similar perceptions on trust in the workplace. The results of this study can be used in designing leadership training programs for community based organizations and others faced with downsizing.

Table of Contents

List of Tables	ix
Acknowledgments	xiii
Introduction	1	(12)
Alternatives to Layoffs	3	(3)
The Issues	6	(1)
Researching the Issues	7	(1)
Significance of the Study	8	(1)
Significance for Education	9	(1)
Research Objectives	9	(1)
Research Questions	9	(1)
Definition of Terms	10	(1)
Limitations of the Study	11	(2)
Review of Related Literature	13	(18)
Impact of Downsizing	19	(2)
Research Studies and Career Development	21	(2)
Managing Change	23	(4)
Strategies for Change in Extension	27	(4)
Methodology	31	(10)
Population	31	(1)
Sample	32	(2)
Description of Research Design and Data Analysis	34	(7)
Instrumentation	35	(1)
Method of Triangulation	35	(1)
Data Analysis	36	(5)
Results of the Study Description, Analysis, and Interpretation	41	(66)
Descriptive Profile of Participants in This Study	42	(50)
California	49	(19)
Staff Employees	68	(2)
Management	70	(1)
Illinois	71	(20)
Staff Employees	91	(1)
Management	92	(1)
The Interview	92	(15)
Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations	107	(6)
Conclusions	108	(3)
General Information on Work Environment	108	(1)
Workplace Morale	108	(1)
Survivor Job Security	109	(1)
Trust (in the workplace)	110	(1)
Recommendations	111	(1)
Recommendations for Further Study	111	(2)
Appendices	113	(48)
Appendix A: Permission Letter from Personnel Departments California and Illinois	115	(8)
Current DANR Organizational Structure-University of California	118	(4)
University of Illinois-College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Services Illinois Cooperative Service	122	(1)
Appendix B: Manson's Workplace Environment Analysis Inventory (employee's perception)	123	(6)
Appendix C: Manson's Workplace Environment Analysis Inventory (management's perceptions)	129	(6)
Appendix D: Informed Consent Document	135	(4)
Appendix E: Demographic Data	139	(2)
Appendix F: Rights of Human Subjects Checklist	141	(6)
Appendix G: Follow-up Mailing	147	(4)
Appendix H: Inventory Analysis Matrix	151	(2)
Appendix I: Letter of Permission for Pilot Study	153	(4)
Appendix J: Interview Questions	157	(4)
Bibliography	161	(6)
Author Index	167	(2)
Subject Index	169