EFFECT OF DOWN-SIZING ON WORKERS’ PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED ORGANIZATIONS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

The focus of this study is on the effect of down-sizing on workers’ performance in selected organizations in Enugu state. The objectives of the study are to: Determine the causes of down-sizing in Enugu State. Assess the role of human resources in down-sizing: Analyze how down-sizing affects the performance of workers: Identify the category of the workforce that is more likely to be down-sized. Data for this research were obtain from both primary and secondary sources. The study had a population size of 3,500, out of which a sample of 97 was realized using Taro Yamane’s statistical formula. Survey research design was adopted. Friedman Chi-square(X²) formula tables were used to test the hypotheses. To ensure that the research instrument was valid, a pre-test of every question in the questionnaire was carried out For reliability of the research instruments, a test and pre-test method was using Cronbach Alpha to calculate the result and the result gave reliability co-efficient of +0.9. Findings indicate that: The major cause of down-sizing is change in technology The role of human resources department is not mainly to guide workers to face the challenges of down-sizing; Down-sizing significantly affects the performance of workers; All categories of the workforce are not likely to be down-sized. Based on the findings the following recommendations are made: The chief executive officer of the organization must be aware of the changes in the external environment; Human resources department must take career development of the workers serious; the positive side of down-sizing must be made known to workers. Down-sizing cannot be stopped because what triggers it off like change in technology cannot be stopped.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration                                                                                                                i

Approval page                                                                                                           ii

Dedication                                                                                                                  iii

Acknowledgements                                                                                      iv

Abstract                                                                                                                     v

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1. Background of study                                                                               1
2. Statement of the problem                                                                             2
3. Objectives of the Study                                                                                 2
4. Research Question                                                                                        3
5. Research Hypotheses                                                                                    3
6. Significance of the Study                                                                              3
7. Scope of the Study                                                                                        3
8. Limitations of the Study                                                                               4
9. Definitions of Relevant Terms                                                                     4

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF THE RELATED LITERATURE

2.1       Conceptual Framework                                                                               7

2.2       Theoretical Framework                                                                   10

2.3       Causes of Down-sizing                                                                       10

2.4       Technological Innovation and Organizational Response            11

2.5       Effect of down-sizing                                                                               12

2.6       Human Resources Guidance to the workforce                        14

2.7       Empowering  Down-sized Workers                                                        15

2.8       Career Self Management Plan                                                        16

2.9       The Summary of the Review                                                             17

2.10     Critique of The Review of Related Literature                          18

CHAPTERTHREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0       Introduction                                                                                      25

3.1       Research Design                                                                               25

3.2       Sources of Data                                                                              25

3.3       Population of the Study                                                                 25

3.4       Sample size Determination                                                                  25

3.5       Sampling Technique                                                                         26

3.6       Instrument for Data Collection                                                     26

3.7       Description of the Research Instrument                                      26

3.7.1     Validity of the Measuring Instrument                                       26

3.7.2     Reliability of the measuring Instrument                                     27

3.8       DECISION RULE                                                                                        27

CHAPTER FOUR: PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

4.1       Distribution and Collection of Data                                        29

4.2       Testing of Hypotheses                                                                42

4.3        Discussion of results                                                                       49

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY OF RESEARCH FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1       Summary of Research Findings                                                      50

5.2       Conclusion                                                                                       51       

5.3       Recommendations                                                                             51

5.4       Area of Further Study                                                                  51

BIBILIOGRAPHY

APPENDIX