Downsizing
The process of downsizing often involves dwindling resources and letting staff go. A well-executed downsizing strategy, however, can put an organisation on the road to financial health and stability. The concept reviews the key benefits of this strategy and outlines the four driving forces behind the decision to downsize.
Technique Overview

Downsizing Definition
Downsizing is a strategy designed to reduce the number of employees in the workforce, often with the aim of improving organisational performance and selectively decreasing costs (Sheaffer et al., 2009).
Downsizing Description *
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Business Evidence
Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Downsizing *
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Business Application
Implementation, success factors and measures of Downsizing *
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Professional Tools
Downsizing videos and downloads *
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Further Reading
Downsizing web and print resources *
Downsizing references (4 of up to 20) *
- Ahmadjian, C.L. and Robinson, P. (2001) Safety in Numbers: Downsizing and the Deinstitutionalization of Permanent Employment in Japan. Administrative Science Quarterly, Vol. 46(4), pp. 622-54.
- Appelbaum, S.H. and Donia, M. (2000) The Realistic Downsizing Preview: A Management Intervention in the Prevention of Survivor Syndrome (Part I). Career Development International, Vol. 5(7), pp. 333-50.
- Cartwright, S. (2005) Mergers and Acquisitions: An Update and Appraisal. International Review of Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Vol. 20, pp. 1-38.
- Daft, R.L., Murphy, J. and Willmott, H. (2010) Organization Theory and Design. Cengage Learning, Mason, OH.
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