The realistic downsizing preview: a multiple case study, part II: analysis of RDP model: results of data collected and proposed new model

Abstract

While downsizing has become an increasingly popular organizational tool in the achievement and/or maintenance of competitiveness and increased productivity, the negative side effect known as survivor syndrome continues to plague many post‐downsizing organizations. This article series examines the full spectrum of research with the goal of producing a model. The model is based upon the problems survivors experienced and modeled after the realistic job preview. The realistic downsizing preview, which can be effectively used before the downsizing is implemented to prevent survivor syndrome in its aftermath. This two‐part article is an exploratory study intended to produce the realistic downsizing preview instrument. The second part presents a revision/validation of the model, based on the data gathered from the nine North American case organizations. As a result, the final RDP model is the product of “best practices” proposed in the contemporary research and the feedback from actual downsizing organizations.