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Downsizing and the fragility of corporate reputation: An analysis of the impact of contextual factors

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  • Schulz, Ann-Christine
  • Johann, Sarah

Abstract

This study extends prior research on the impact of downsizing on corporate reputation by investigating how specific aspects of downsizing measures influence this relationship. Using panel data on the S&P 100 companies for the period 1990–2000, we find that downsizing affects corporate reputation negatively and that the size of the effect depends on the content and the context of the downsizing announcement. More specifically, we find that the motive for downsizing, the time period in which it is announced as well as the extent of previous layoffs significantly influence the reputational penalties that are associated with corporate downsizing. Our results thus elucidate how contextual factors of a downsizing decision can influence the extent of the reputational damage of this measure.

Suggested Citation

  • Schulz, Ann-Christine & Johann, Sarah, 2018. "Downsizing and the fragility of corporate reputation: An analysis of the impact of contextual factors," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 34(1), pages 40-50.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:scaman:v:34:y:2018:i:1:p:40-50
    DOI: 10.1016/j.scaman.2017.11.004
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    1. Andrea Bassanini & Eve Caroli & Bruno Chaves Ferreira & Antoine Reberioux, 2020. "Don’t Downsize This! Social Reactions to Mass Dismissals on Twitter," Post-Print halshs-03012930, HAL.
    2. Ann-Christine Schulz & Miriam Flickinger, 2020. "Does CEO (over)compensation influence corporate reputation?," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 14(4), pages 903-927, August.
    3. Andrea Bassanini & Eve Caroli & Kevin Geay & Antoine Rebérioux, 2023. "Heavy is the Crown: CEOs' Social Interactions and Layoff Decisions," PSE Working Papers hal-04118212, HAL.
    4. Cirillo, Alessandro & Muñoz-Bullón, Fernando & Sánchez-Bueno, María J. & Sciascia, Salvatore, 2022. "Employee downsizing and sales internationalization strategy in family firms," Journal of Family Business Strategy, Elsevier, vol. 13(2).

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