Workforce Rationalisation: Views from the Top

Abstract

Downsized, delayered, reduced or we call it “rationalisation” — the impact on the survivors as well as victims will be the same. By glorifying the process of downsizing, the feelings and emotions do not change. After collecting data from different levels of executives the authors wanted to listen to the views of the top managers or the implementers. In the study 34 managers belonging to the top level i.e. vice president, general manager etc. from HR as well as non-HR functions were extensively interviewed. The questions evolved were based on review of literature and tried to probe the effect of “workforce rationalisation” on the survivors as well as victims. In this paper, their responses have been discussed and certain conclusions arrived at.