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TECHNOLOGICAL DISCONTINUITY AND WORKFORCE SIZE: AN ARGUMENT FOR SELECTIVE DOWNSIZING

John C. Edwards (East Carolina University)

The International Journal of Organizational Analysis

ISSN: 1055-3185

Article publication date: 1 March 2000

226

Abstract

In this paper I begin to answer the neglected question of “When to downsize?” Specifically, is downsizing and the associated reskilling of workforces an appropriate response to technological discontinuity? Based on past organizational literature written about technological discontinuity, downsizing, and reskilling, I develop a theoretical framework that indicates when downsizing following a technological discontinuity will increase organizational effectiveness. Propositions are developed based on this framework. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for managers and future researchers.

Citation

Edwards, J.C. (2000), "TECHNOLOGICAL DISCONTINUITY AND WORKFORCE SIZE: AN ARGUMENT FOR SELECTIVE DOWNSIZING", The International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 8 No. 3, pp. 290-308. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb028920

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited

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