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Adaptation Trajectories of Dismissed Workers: A Critical Case Study of the Lithuanian Radio-Electronics Sector

Author

Listed:
  • Žilvinas Martinaitis

    (Vilnius University, Lithuania; Visionary Analytics, Lithuania)

  • AudronÄ— SadauskaitÄ—

    (Visionary Analytics, Lithuania)

  • Mariachiara Barzotto

    (School of Management, University of Bath, UK)

Abstract

This article explores why some dismissed workers adapt successfully to the changing structure of an economy, while others remain trapped in low-quality jobs and experience deskilling. The associated case study relies on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 50 former employees of four bankrupt radio-electronics factories in Lithuania. It is found that workers with ‘inherited’ skills that are deep and technical are able to enter high-quality jobs when new firms emerge, recombining the physical, financial and human assets of destitute factories for new productive uses. However, if such economic opportunities are scarce, workers with inherited broad skill sets are relatively more successful in transitioning to services from manufacturing. Further, in line with the literature of the sociology of work, women and older workers are found to face more acute challenges in adapting to the economic shock associated with dismissal.

Suggested Citation

  • Žilvinas Martinaitis & AudronÄ— SadauskaitÄ— & Mariachiara Barzotto, 2023. "Adaptation Trajectories of Dismissed Workers: A Critical Case Study of the Lithuanian Radio-Electronics Sector," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 37(3), pages 665-684, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:37:y:2023:i:3:p:665-684
    DOI: 10.1177/09500170211041296
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