Date of Conferral
2022
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Management
Advisor
Gary Griffith
Abstract
To remain competitive, organization leaders look for methods of reducing organizational costs. Downsizing is one method leaders have implemented to lower costs; however, downsizing may affect employee loyalty and trust within the organization. The purpose of this study was to highlight managers’ experiences affecting practices and strategies, influencing loyalty and trust in corporate downsizing through the qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology approach. The conceptual framework provided structuralism revealing low morale and decreased loyalty and trust. The research question focused on lived experiences of managers and employees during downsizing, maintaining loyalty and trust by invoking creative strategies to retain jobs. Eight participants shared their unique life experiences. The 14 open-ended interview questions focused on demographics, loyalty, trust, and creative ways to preserve jobs. Following a phenomenological data analysis model, the interview data were coded, categorized and themes were created. The results of the study indicated that from the themes, emotions are central to how employees handle positive and negative workplace situations; loyalty and trust contributing to a healthy work environment; and downsizing can cause an unstable work environment. The social change implications are that the organizational leaders may create a more stable work environment implementing creative strategies that save the organization capital and increase employees' trust and loyalty.
Recommended Citation
Blum-Stapleton, Sara Caroline, "Creative Strategies; Maintaining Loyalty in Corporate Downsizing" (2022). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 13213.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/13213
