Affiliation:
1. The Poznan University of Economics and Business, Poland
Abstract
The aim of the chapter is to present the concept of downsizing from different points of view: as a strategic option, as a management tool and as a phenomenon. It describes the evolution of the term, its definitions, and different directions of development. A scale and possible outcomes are described on the basis of financial analysis; however it also discusses the role of non-financial aspects. The chapter points out reasons, aims and a wide range of tools that may be used during implementation of downsizing. One of the conclusions of the chapter is to present future research directions aiming at increasing knowledge of managers and providing them with detailed good practices.