Content and Climate in Downsizing

Effective internal communication contributes to the overall organizational communication that aims to maintain a sustainable reputation during times of change. Arising from this belief, this paper aims to develop a theoretical framework in which the type of communication content, flows, channels, and climate better fits into the planning, implementation, and revitalization phases within the downsizing process. To this end, a literature review on downsizing studies has been conducted, resulting in examples of the types of communication content, flow, channels, and climate that should characterize internal communication before, during, and after the downsizing process. These examples will be provided together with the communication objectives relevant for effective internal communication during downsizing. Acknowledgements: The authors with to thank Anne Grandjeanne for her contribution in developing the literature review of studies into the downsizing process. A previous version of this paper was presented at the European Academy of Management Conference (EURAM) 2006, Oslo Track: Corporate Reputation/Image and Organizational Communication