Downsizing, an activity in which companies substantially and significantly reduce the size of their workforces, has long term costs to the company, its employees (current and former), and society as a whole. Further, that companies which engage in downsizing may do so as a short-term strategy designed to boost profits or improve their financial statements rather than using downsizing as a strategy of "last resort."
Historical examples of companies which have garnered publicity through their use (or refusal to use) downsizing methods
Short-term improvement of financial statements
Strategies to maximize downsizing benefit to company
Strategies to minimize effects on employees
Effects of Downsizing on Stakeholders
Classes of workers typically affected
Possible Long-Term Effects to Society
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Ambrose, Delorese. Healing the Downsized Organization. NY: Harmony, 1996.
Brown, Tom. "Sweatshops of the 1990s." Management Review (August 1996): 13-18.
Champy, James. "Quit Cutting--Start Growing." Sales & Marketing Management (March 1997): 20-21.
Davis, Stephania H. "Onward and Inward." Telephony (March 10, 1997): 10.
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