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 downsizing
in Enugu State. Assess the role of human resources in down-sizing: Analyze how downsizing
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 Chisquare(
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.
