DOWNSIZING, JOBSECUIRTY AND EMPLOYABILITY: A CRITICAL REAPPRAISAL

Abstract

Downsizing has now become a standard organizational practice in the corporate world.  Living human beings are thrown out of their jobs like junks to reduce cost.  A new concept of employability is presented as an alternative to job-security.  Both these concepts come from a ruthlessly pragmatic approach to human beings.  This article examines this specter of downsizing in a critical perspective and presents a more humane approach to the problem.  The first part of the article is a review of some of the recent studies and research on the impact of downsizing, which shows that this practice is more of a malaise than a remedy and its impact on productivity, morale and motivation of workers are adverse and negative.  The next part of the article presents a similar critical review of the concept of employability and its limitations.  The last part of the article provides a more humane, holistic and compassionate alternative to downsizing.