A Grounded Theory Approach to Studying Dislocated Workers' Decisions and Perceptions Regarding Retraining and Reemployment Programs and Services

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the decisions and perceptions of Lane Company's dislocated workforce regarding retraining and reemployment programs funded by the Minnie and B.B. Lane Foundation (MBL Foundation), Virginia Employment Commission (VEC), both organizations, or neither organization. Thirteen Lane Company dislocated workers were interviewed utilizing an open-ended questionnaire. The results of this study indicated that the retraining and reemployment needs of Lane Company's dislocated workers were accommodated. However, to accommodate those needs, two organizations were required, the VEC and the MBL Foundation. The VEC was instituted by the federal and state government to provide retraining and reemployment services to dislocated workers via the Trade Act of 1974. The MBL Foundation, a nonprofit organization, was established to provide funding for retraining and reemployment programs to Lane Company's dislocated workforce. Many dislocated workers approached the VEC to apply for retraining, but found that the funding was insufficient or the retraining program they desired was not approved under the Trade Act. The dislocated workers perceived the MBL Foundation as an alternative for supplementary retraining funds and programs they preferred. An approach to provide for the needs of dislocated workers is to revise and appropriate additional funds to the Trade Act. Moreover, the manner in which Lane Company's dislocated workers were accommodated may possibly stand as a model for meeting the needs of other dislocated workers.