This study examines the overall effect of downsizing during the past five years on Extension Home Economists. Its objectives are to identify the downsizing strategies used in Extension organizations, and to determine the professional and personal effect of downsizing upon these respondents. The role of resilient behaviors, coping strategies, social support and life events in helping these professionals deal with downsizing is also examined. Data were collected and analyzed from 429 surveys sent to a random sample of Extension Home Economists, active members in their professional organization. The results show that the most prominent strategies used to downsize include attrition, changing traditional services and functions, financial incentives for workforce reduction, and transferring staff. Major work changes include an increased workload, loss of colleagues and involvement in more team efforts. These Extension Home Economists experienced downsizing more from a personal than a professional level. The majority rated the overall personal impact of downsizing as moderate to profound. Personal impact was alleviated by the use of resilient behaviors, the experience of a limited number of notable life events, and the quality of social support. The only variable which influenced the professional impact of downsizing was life events. While the use of coping strategies did not affect the professional and personal impact of downsizing, the use of these strategies influenced the overall ability to cope. Maintaining contact and communication with their colleagues was the most utilized coping strategy by these professionals. While those who felt satisfied with the current downsized organization indicated lower personal impact, having an accepting attitude towards downsizing did not affect these respondents personally or professionally. Of the demographic variables, only years of employment influenced the personal impact of downsizing. Neither age, relationship status nor years of employment affected the professional impact of downsizing. Downsizing will continue to provide challenges and opportunities for organizations now and well into the future. Although there is not one prescription for surviving it, there is evidence that those who exercise resilient behaviors, have a varied repertoire of coping strategies and a quality support system will have a greater capacity for reducing its side effects.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UMASS/oai:scholarworks.umass.edu:dissertations-7593 |
| Date | 01 January 1996 |
| Creators | Mietlicki, Shirley Ann |
| Publisher | ScholarWorks@UMass Amherst |
| Source Sets | University of Massachusetts, Amherst |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Source | Doctoral Dissertations Available from Proquest |
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