The Role of Causal Attributions in Survivors' Emotional Reactions to Downsizing

Weiner's (1986) theory of attribution was used for analyzing discrete emotions survivors of downsizing may experience as a function of perceived causes for survival. The study considered emotions not studied in previous research (e.g., pride) and their relation to organizational factors (e.g., organizational citizenship behavior). Moreover, this analysis goes beyond previous research that studied broad affective constructs such as anxiety by also considering positive emotions. Suggested understandings can advance research and facilitate better personal and organizational consequences of downsizing as these are reflected in human resource and human resource development policies and interventions.