The Relationship between Personality Traits and Survivors’ Organizational Commitment following Layoffs in Selected Organisations in Ghana

Abstract

This study examined how locus of control and self esteem are associated with organisational commitment of survivors of layoffs in selected organisations in Ghana. Two hundred and nineteen participants (survivors of layoffs) were made to complete survey items on locus of control, self esteem and organisational commitment. Using MANOVA and Hierarchical Multiple Regression analysis; results indicated that internals reported significantly higher overall, affective and normative organisational commitment than externals. Internals and externals, however, did not differ in terms of continuance commitment. Self esteem did not predict normative commitment among the participants. Based on these findings, implications for managing downsizing and layoffs have been discussed.

Keywords: Internals, Externals, Locus of control, Survivor syndrome, downsizing