The Changing Outplacement Process

With downsizing, layoffs, and other retrenchment measures afflicting both public and private sectors, outplacement consulting has grown from a minor specialty among human resources (HR) firms and practitioners into an important industry. Meyer and Shadle explore changes that have occurred in the outplacement process--as well as its practice--to provide a clearer understanding of what it is and what it offers organizations and their employees. Clearly written and designed to assist management and their HR professionals, the book provides not only an insight into the meaning of job loss and its devastating impact on workers and the organization, but also a way to help lessen the blow to both.

Among the topics explored here are the seven dimensions of the new careerism, an inclusive definition of outplacement, a complete and objective review and analysis of the elements of the outplacement and career transition process, and a description of the different kinds of assessment typically offered as part of outplacement. It also provides an inside look into this multimillion-dollar industry, its organization and markets, trends, and the industry's burgeoning technology. The authors answer such questions as: Why does one need outplacement counseling? Why do corporations pay for it and how much? How do outplacement firms contact and contract with corporations? How can the outplacement firm provide consultation to downsizing corporations? This book is a well-researched practical resource for all organizations and their employees in this economically difficult decade.

JOHN L. MEYER is Professor of Communication at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh, where he teaches organizational communication, public speaking, and interviewing. He has worked with business through the Champlain Valley Management Club and as a trainer and consultant through ICS, Inc. He has co-authored Get the Right Person for the Job and How to Get the Job You Want and has served actively in the New York State Speech Communication Association, of which he is a former president.

CAROLYN C. SHADLE is on the faculty of the State University of New York's Empire State College in Syracuse, where she directs a residency-based management degree program for adult learners. She has been otherwise involved with business through her work with the State University of New York at Buffalo's Center for Management Development, Center for Industrial Effectiveness, and Institute for Work/Family Balance. She is the author of Building Communication Skills. Through ICS, Inc., she trains and consults with business organizations.