The experience of managers responsible for retrenchment : the development of a dynamic process model and analysis of role stress
type: CreativeWork
description: Retrenchment is a widespread and frequently used strategy adopted by management to deal with the economic demands faced by organisations. The lack of a theoretical framework, however, has limited the understanding of the phenomenon. The impact of retrenchment on managers and their role in implementation has been particularly neglected, despite the fact that they are central to this process. The present study addressed the development of a dynamic retrenchment process model which could address these limitations. Development of the model was based on qualitative analysis of interview data from a sample of 50 managers involved in retrenchment announcements, in combination with other concepts and findings relating to the phenomenon, and elements of role theory. The model reflected a five phase retrenchment process-moving through decision making, design and planning, the announcement, a post-announcement phase, and concluding with an aftermath phase. The nature of the model components and the relationship between them was then examined in more depth using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. To facilitate the analysis of role dynamics, a multi-dimensional role conflict measure was developed and applied. Qualitative analysis showed indications of all types of role conflict and of role ambiguity during the retrenchment, but these manifested themselves differently during the various phases of retrenchment. Quantitative analysis demonstrated moderate relationships between person-role conflict and role ambiguity, and organisational commitment. Person-role conflict, interrole conflict and role ambiguity were also all related to a measure of mental health. Role ambiguity was the only variable displaying a significant relationship with job involvement. Qualitative analysis suggested moderating effects of personality, coping, and social support during the retrenchment process. Qualitative analysis also displayed support for the existence of adverse physiological, psychol…
abstract: Retrenchment is a widespread and frequently used strategy adopted by management to deal with the economic demands faced by organisations. The lack of a theoretical framework, however, has limited the understanding of the phenomenon. The impact of retrenchment on managers and their role in implementation has been particularly neglected, despite the fact that they are central to this process. The present study addressed the development of a dynamic retrenchment process model which could address these limitations. Development of the model was based on qualitative analysis of interview data from a sample of 50 managers involved in retrenchment announcements, in combination with other concepts and findings relating to the phenomenon, and elements of role theory. The model reflected a five phase retrenchment process-moving through decision making, design and planning, the announcement, a post-announcement phase, and concluding with an aftermath phase. The nature of the model components and the relationship between them was then examined in more depth using both qualitative and quantitative techniques. To facilitate the analysis of role dynamics, a multi-dimensional role conflict measure was developed and applied. Qualitative analysis showed indications of all types of role conflict and of role ambiguity during the retrenchment, but these manifested themselves differently during the various phases of retrenchment. Quantitative analysis demonstrated moderate relationships between person-role conflict and role ambiguity, and organisational commitment. Person-role conflict, interrole conflict and role ambiguity were also all related to a measure of mental health. Role ambiguity was the only variable displaying a significant relationship with job involvement. Qualitative analysis suggested moderating effects of personality, coping, and social support during the retrenchment process. Qualitative analysis also displayed support for the existence of adverse physiological, psychol…
author: Donald, Craig Hugh Maxfield
language: eng
date published: 1995
date modified: 2026-07-24T01:33:54Z
provider: University of Cape Town
publisher: Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
type: WebPage
source organization: Department of Psychology

PropertyValue
property ID: Handle
value: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13854