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Perceptions of Demotion Decisions: A Social Capital Perspective

Author

Listed:
  • Sophie Hennekam

    (Audencia Recherche - Audencia Business School)

  • Steve Mckenna

    (CBS - Curtin Business School - Curtin University)

  • Julia Richardson

    (CBS - Curtin Business School - Curtin University)

  • Subramaniam Ananthram

    (CBS - Curtin Business School - Curtin University)

Abstract

This article examines how demotees and co-workers understand involuntary demotion decisions, using a social capital lens. Drawing on data based on semi-structured in-depth interviews from 23 demotees and 46 co-workers (two co-workers of each demoted worker), we find that the likelihood of being demoted is determined by several factors. The personal characteristics of the demotee influence three aspects of social capital: 1) the quality of the employee-management relationship, 2) the ability to socialise with other organizational members and 3) visibility in the organization. Our findings contribute to the relational embeddedness perspective of social capital as well the growing body of literature on the dark side of social capital in organizations by showing how a lack of social capital impacts on demotion decisions. Relevant implications for organizations and HR practitioners for utilizing demotion as a HR tool are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Sophie Hennekam & Steve Mckenna & Julia Richardson & Subramaniam Ananthram, 2019. "Perceptions of Demotion Decisions: A Social Capital Perspective," Post-Print hal-03232774, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-03232774
    DOI: 10.1016/j.emj.2019.03.007
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-03232774v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sophie Hennekam & Subramaniam Ananthram, 2020. "Involuntary and voluntary demotion: employee reactions and outcomes," Post-Print hal-03232764, HAL.

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