Downsizing and outplacement: the role of human resource management

Abstract

This paper assesses the role of human resource management in the reduction of workforces. It uses the survey on European Human Resource Management, carried out by the Cranfield Network and materials from Greece. It concludes by arguing that downsizing should be a well planned exercise based on material agreement and that the problem is a great challenge for human resource management.

Keywords:

• Downsizing
• human resource management
• the Cranfield Network
• Greece