| The purpose of this research was to explore the phenomenon of a supervisor's lived experience in announcing layoffs to middle-aged employees in the workforce. This study addressed the managers' perceptions in laying-off middle-aged adults. The importance of this study was due to mounting age bias claims in the layoff process. Eight supervisors from Florida were employed for this study using purposeful sampling technique. Open-ended interviews with the supervisors provided data necessary to answer the research question. The methods used were Moustakas (1994) transcendental phenomenological approach along with the Van Kaam data analysis model. Using these methods allowed themes to emerge from the supervisor's descriptions from a structured and systematic data analysis. These themes showed commonalities in perceptions and reactions to the experience. This allowed the researcher to find meaning variables that can affect the organization. The theoretical framework of Festinger's cognitive dissonance theory (Elliot), organizational change theory (Andrews, Cameron, & Harris), and cognitive appraisal theory (Winter) are discussed. The results of this study found four core themes from the data analysis of the supervisor's experience: (a) preparation of the announcement, (b) negative feelings in the implementation, (c) concern for employees and their families and (d) dealing with a multiple layoff environment. |
