Perception of Workforce Reduction Scenario and Coping Strategies of Survivors:An Empirical Study

While downsizing, the behavioral responses of the survivors are as important as the financial implications for the organization’s future competitiveness. The purpose of the study was to investigate the predictive relationship between survivors’ appraisal of the scenario and their coping strategies. The study was conducted on 208 survivor respondents across four organizations in the manufacturing sector, where workforce reduction had taken place in the recent past, in Delhi and the National Capital Region (India). As reported, appraisal of attitude, workload, motivation and fairness were the predictors (negatively) of avoidance/resignation coping. Direct action coping was positively predicted by the appraisal of training, productivity and team spirit, and negatively by perception of job stability. Predictors of help-seeking coping were appraisal of job stability, motivation and fairness (all negatively) and appraisal of training positively. Predictors of positive thinking coping were appraisal of productivity, motivation and training (positively) and participation in decision making (negatively).