Knowledge@wharton

When General Motors last month offered buyouts and early retirement packages to 113 000 hourly workers the move focused new attention on a key aspect of the continually evolving relationship between employers and employees. Buyouts often signal management’s decision to strategically change the company’s direction and start easing out those workers who are part of what is now considered the old regime. Meanwhile employees who stay behind suddenly recognize that they are replaceable parts with little job security and no long-term commitment from the company. What messages do buyouts send to employees? How are buyouts structured? Is there a ’right’ way and a ’wrong’ way to handle the buyout process? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.