The realistic downsizing preview: a multiple case study, part I: the methodology and results of data collection

While downsizing has become an increasingly popular organizational tool in the achievement and/or maintenance of competitiveness the negative side effect known as survivor syndrome continues to plague many post‐downsizing organizations. This article series examines the full spectrum of research with the goal of producing a model. The model is based upon the problems survivors’ experienced and modeled after the realistic job preview. The realistic downsizing preview (RDP), which can be effectively used before the downsizing, is implemented to prevent survivor syndrome. This two‐part article is an exploratory study intended to produce an instrument, the RDP. This will be tested utilizing a cross case study analysis of nine major North American organizations. The first part re‐introduces the RDP then concentrates on the methods of data collection and initial presentation of results from the nine case studies that were used to develop and refine the model.