Chapter 9
Complex systems are based on some form of order but can behave unpredictably. The unpredictability of these systems results from the many interactions of the system variables and the consequences of differences in the initial states of those variables.
Chaos Theory
Procedures or rules used to determine which employees will be downsized.
Procedural justice
A medium-term strategy in which organizations focus on work processes and assess whether specific functions¸ products¸ and/or services should be eliminated.
Work Redesign
Which restructuring type involves a medium-term strategy where organizations focus on work processes
work redesign
An iterative trial-and-error process of discovery that involves diagnosing a problem¸ planning a solution¸ acting on the solution¸ evaluating the results of the actions¸ learning from the outcomes¸ and asking new questions.
Action Research
The interpersonal treatment employees receive during the implementation of the downsizing decision.
Interactional justice
Workforce reduction
Research identifies numerous reasons that organizations employ downsizing strategies. Which is the strongest reason cited by managers to reduce workforce size?
to reduce costs
A method of learning that involves questioning current assumptions¸ examining a problem from different perspectives¸ and questioning the validity of the problem.
Double-loop learning
Activities undertaken to improve organizational efficiency¸ productivity¸ and/or competitiveness that affect the size of the firm’s workforce¸ its costs¸ and its work processes.
Downsizing
A long-term strategy that changes the organization’s culture and attitudes¸ and employees’ values¸ with the goals of reducing costs and enhancing quality.
Systematic Change
What have research studies revealed about many organizational downsizing initiatives?
They are not well planned.
A framework for analyzing a problem that seeks to identify all the relevant factors and stakeholders that are acting to either sustain the current state or to move away from the current state.
Force-field analysis
Providing a program of counseling and job search assistance for workers who have been terminated.
Outplacement
Employees remaining with an organization after a downsizing.
Survivors
Which justice type involves the perceived fairness of the downsizing decision?
distributive
The understanding of one’s purpose and the development of a personal vision.
Personal Mastery
Strategy to improve an organization’s efficiency by reducing the workforce¸ redesigning the work¸ or changing the systems of the organization.
Downsizing strategy
An unwritten commitment between employers and their employees that historically guaranteed job security and rewards for loyal service.
Psychological contract
Employees who retain their jobs after an organizational downsizing often report which of the following?
They have lower self-confidence and a higher potential to leave their jobs.