Employee dislocation: A phenomenological study of self-adjustment and reinvention.

摘要

Employment dislocation is a problem and is an important organizational and social concern. In this qualitative, phenomenological study the subject to discuss is the patterns or themes of experiencing employment dislocation twice. The study explored 15 participants’ twice-lived experiences about dislocation, self-adjustment, and reinvention. Data analysis incorporated the use of Moustakas’ (1994) modification of van Kaam’s phenomenological methodology and NVivo 9 (a qualitative software tool) that resulted in the identification of three major themes relative to the twice lived experiences of dislocation. The three themes were relational to psychological and organizational experiences and the outcome of employability for dislocated employees. The twice-dislocated employees’ of an automotive engine plant (EP) provided useful and reasonable lived perceptions for understanding the complexities of employment dislocation. The themes evolved around the concept that repeated dislocation events builds an increased self-awareness of work life goals, and the affects that impact the dislocated employee challenges toward achieving new work life goals. An understanding of these themes may help to develop strategies for mitigating negative consequences toward adjustment and reinvention from work life disruption. The results and recommendations of the study can provide leaders, employers, social service providers, schools, and dislocated employees’ relevant information for adapting career work life paths.