Izvorni znanstveni članak
The Influence of Organizational Changes and Downsizing on Professionalism in Civil Service
Alen Benazić
; Carinska uprava Ministarstva financija Republike Hrvatske
Sažetak
Downsizing as a form of organisational change is applied in order to adapt the organisation to the changes in the environment that require reducing its scope and/or depth, redefining business/work processes, reducing costs, and reducing the number of employees. Such changes, although more frequent in the private sector, are also made in the public sector. There are several approaches to downsizing,
differing in the level of employees’ involvement and employers’ decision making. Thus, on the one hand, there are approaches where the employer encourages the employees to leave the organisation, but does not influence on their decision when to leave it. On the other hand, there are approaches where the employer decides who and when will leave the organisation. Along with desirable results, like increased efficiency of the organisation, such processes may result in
the loss of energy, talent, and organisational knowledge, as well as in diminished motivation, dedication, and loyalty of the organization’s employees. The research has dealt with the influence of downsizing on employees’ professionalism, which includes their efficiency, professional competences, work attitude, and adaptability to changes. Indicators of professionalism that have been used are grades obtained during performance measurement, education level, age, senior civil servants’ status, and employees’ disciplinary records. The research was conducted on the sample of 168 employees of Customs Service in Istarska County from 1 July 2012 to 1 July 2013, when the Customs Service conducted reorganisation with the purpose of Croatia’s adjustment to the European Union. One of the consequences was reduction in the number of employees, which created favourable research conditions. According to the analysed indicators, the level
of professionalism has decreased after downsizing was conducted, which may be attributed to the application of free choice approach. Furthermore, it has been noted that, in precarious times, civil servants choose workplaces and organisations where they have a better chance of secure employment.
Ključne riječi
organisational changes; professionalism; state civil service; civil servants; Customs Service
Hrčak ID:
129760
URI
Datum izdavanja:
5.9.2014.
Posjeta: 1.608 *