(in German)

This report aims to give an overview of restructuring activities in Germany over the last recent years. Therefore different data sources are used. The data cover the organisational perspective (European Restructuring Monitor, M&A Database), as well as the view of employees (BIBB/BAuA-Erwerbstätigenbefragung, DGB Index Gute Arbeit) and works councils (WSI Betriebsrätebefragung). Firstly the report defines different types of restructuring given that not every minor change affects the organisational structure or routines. Based on the data sources at hand we show the prevalence and significance of organisational restructuring in German undertakings. The intended objectives of reorganisations are often thwarted because social aspects as opposed to economic or procedural facets of change procedures are often rather neglected. The increase of uncertainty, psychological demands or even deteriorated health might go along with organisational change.

The empirical evidence as to the unintended impacts of specific reorganisations (mergers and acquisitions, downsizing, relocation) are tackled respectively in the following chapter, ensued by options to design the change process in a socially responsible way.

In this respect principles such as fairness, participation, transparent communication and social support are important and have proven to be successful.

To put it in a nutshell restructuring and organisational adaptation to new market conditions and increased competitiveness are crucial for the organisations´ prosperity or even survival.

However, change is related to impacts on the employees. In planning and managing the restructuring measures these effects should be considered given that neglecting them might thwart the very objectives of change.

Please download the complete report "Challenge Restructuring - Significance, Impacts, Options" (in German only).