Management, according to Mary Parker Follett, is the art of getting things done through people. Over the years, several theories and trends have built this field to its existing standard. However, theworth of a management trend depends on several factors like company culture, education of workers, existing contracts and laws, industry etc. In simple words, a management trend is considered good when the application of the trendpositively benefits the company in one or more aspects. Downsizing, delayering, restructuring, re-engineering etc. are some of the new trends that have significantly affected the management circles. However, there has been a new trend that poses dangers for organizations - Brightsizing.
Paul McFedries defined brightsizingas corporate downsizing where brightest workers are made to let go. He also stated when a company lay off employees with the lowseniority;it’s the younger workers most of whom are often well trained and highly qualified.
Downsizing, as a matter of fact, ispracticed when the company is in a crisis. Therefore, as it is, layoffs are not a good sign; and brightsizing makes the situation worse.In layoff decisions, several organizations follow the policy that the employee with the greatest seniority, among equally qualified candidates, would be given greater priority. But this trend is dangerous to companies, and companies must be protected from it.
Downsizing, as a matter of fact, ispracticed when the company is in a crisis. Therefore, as it is, layoffs are not a good sign; and brightsizing makes the situation worse.In layoff decisions, several organizations follow the policy that the employee with the greatest seniority, among equally qualified candidates, would be given greater priority. But this trend is dangerous to companies, and companies must be protected from it.
Although, companies blame brightsizing on union contractsthat enforce layoff practices based on seniority,the trend is common in non-union companies as well.
When faced with a situation that demands layoffs, it is important to rightsize rather than brightsize with the organization’s best interests in mind. By rightsizing, it means to retain people based on market needs and trends, technologies,and innovative ideas. It is necessary to focus attention on the future of the organization and layoff people who cannot contribute to it regardless of their time of stay in the company.
Management, by definition, means to get things done through people; and if organizations lay off people who can get things done, due to brightsizing, the company is headed towards destruction. Hence, it is important to evaluate an employee based on performance first and then the other factors and retain the best lot. For brightsizingcripplesany organization.
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