The various ways in which people lose their jobs are discussed, and arbitrary dismissal is distinguished from redundancy. Three case studies, and some other evidence, suggest that dismissals are sometimes handled clumsily and may cause unnecessary suffering. European and British legislation to protect employees is considered, and it is argued that laws of this kind are desirable but may not overcome all of the unfortunate effects of arbitrary dismissal. Both research and existing professional practices in psychology have some applications to the problems of dismissal, but it is concluded that psychologists could make their major contribution by training managers and supervisors to handle difficult interpersonal situations more skilfully.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Anderman, S.D.The Law of Unfair Dismissal. Butterworth's:London (1978).
2.
Anstey, E.Interviewing — How should it develop? Journal of Industrial Affairs (1979, 7) 16-20.
3.
Anstey, E., Fletcher, C.A., & Walker, J.Staff Appraisal and Development. Allen & Unwin:London (1976).
4.
Bass, B.M. & Barrett, G.People, Work and Organizations: An Intorudction to Industrial and Organizational Psychology (2nd ed.). Allyn & Bacon: Boston (1981).
5.
Clark, G. de N.Remedies for Unjust Dismissal: Proposals for Legislation (Planning, Vol. 36, Broadsheet 518). Political and Economic Planning: London (1970).
6.
Creighton, B.Job security: management prerogative or workers' right? (Radio 3AR "Background Briefing" Programme, 12 June 1983).
7.
Duggan, T.Fire only with care. The Age: Melbourne (10 April 1982), p.2.
8.
Fletcher, J.The Interview at Work. Duckworth: London (1973). Harris, R.Taking the pain out of sacking. Business Review Weekly: Melbourne (19-25 June 1982), pp. 13-14.
9.
Hersey, P., & Blanchard, K.H.Management of Organizational Behaviour: Utilizing Human Resources (4th ed.). Prentice-Hall : Englewood Cliffs, N.J. (1982).
10.
Higham, M.The ABC of Interviewing. Institute of Personnel Management : London (1979).
11.
Kelway, J.An Employer's Guide to Fair Dismissal and the Maternity Pensions. Kogan Page: London (1977).
Miller, L.M.Behaviour Management: The New Science of Managing People at Work. Wiley: New York (1978).
14.
Miner, J.B., & Brewer, J.F.The management of ineffective performance. In M. D. Dunnette (Ed.), Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Rand McNally: Chicago (1976).
15.
O'Brien, R. M., Dickinson, A. M., & Rosow, M. P. (Eds.). Industrial Behaviour Modification: A Management Handbook. Pergamon Press: New York (1982).
