A necessary evil: the experiences of managers implementing downsizing programmes
Abstract
This paper presents the findings of a phenomenological study, which describes the experiences of human
resource (HR) managers implementing a downsizing programme in a steel manufacturing organisation in
India. Data were collected through conversational interviews. Following van Manens sententious analytic
approach, the core theme of a necessary evil, emerged, which indicates that while participants were pained by
their task of having to terminate workers and deprive them of their livelihood, they believed that they had no
choice in the matter if they had to ensure the competitive position of the organisation and their own survival
as employees. The findings of the inquiry provide insights into a virtually unstudied area and raise questions
about the role of HR managers in contemporary organisations.
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