The realistic downsizing preview: a management intervention in the prevention of survivor syndrome (part II)

While downsizing has become an increasingly popular organizational tool in the achievement and/or maintenance of competitiveness and increased productivity, the negative side‐effect known as survivor syndrome continues to plague many post‐downsizing organizations. This two‐part article has examined the full spectrum of research with the goal of producing a model. The model is based upon the problems survivors experienced and is modeled after the John Wanous Realistic Job Preview (RJP). The Realistic Downsizing Preview (RDP), which can be effectively used before the downsizing, is implemented to prevent survivor syndrome in the aftermath of the downsizing. The foundation of the RDP model is that, by addressing issues that have been observed as survivor syndromes prior to a downsizing, the negative outcomes can be minimized. Part II develops the RDP model and discusses the implications for managers and management.