Response of Survivors to the Effects of Downsizing in Kenya: a Comparative Analysis of the Public and Private Sectors
Abstract
Downsizing is a management philosophy with a strategic focus which is used by the management to streamline and shrink the organizational structure and consequently get rid of the personnel employed with a view to improving efficiency, productivity and competitiveness.
It has a devastating effect on both the victims and survivors. However, organizations have concentrated their efforts and resources on how to manage the retrenchment process and not on survivor who are supposed to run the operations of the post-down sized organizations. Yet, they overlook the fact that employees are not emotionally prepared to handle major disruptions.
The aim of this study was to establish the views of survivors on downsizing as well as establish the managements’ response to downsizing.
The study used an exploratory research design and the data collection instrument was a self-administered questionnaire, which were distributed to employees of organizations in both public and private sectors.
In conclusion, the objectives of the study were achieved. It is evident from the study that survivors have a host of perceptions regarding downsizing and organizations have done very little to address them.
It is therefore recommended that the management in the two sectors should take a more proactive rather than reactionary when considering downsizing in order to foster positive employee attitude and rebuild employee loyalty after downsizing.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Description
MBA Thesis