Alpha and Omega : The Effect of Terminations, and How to Lessen Their Impact on the Organization

While both recruiting and termination are crucial human resource management activities, professionals in the field have preferred to focus on other aspects of employment. Despite tremendous changes undergone by business and society over the past few decades, terminations are still handled in the same way as they were 20 years ago. The implications of a termination have been paid little heed. However, these events can have a substantial negative impact on the effectiveness of an organization. Examines five aspects of a termination: (1) Root causes – the events that led to the termination. (2) The formal and informal network context of the position. (3) Essential characteristics of the position should be examined before a replacement is appointed. (4) Management style of the incumbent and the way a replacement might fit the organization′s culture. (5) Roles played by department members, and how to ensure that they continue to be carried out. Problems are identified that arise when the realities of today′s environment are ignored. Suggests concrete actions that can and should be taken to prevent costly consequences to the organization.