This study examined the determinants and consequences of survivors' co
ping responses to a recent workforce reduction involving permanent lay
offs. The participants consisted of 200 unionized technicians in the t
elecommunications industry. Survivors with high optimistic predisposit
ions and a strong sense of mastery were more likely to engage in contr
ol-oriented coping. Perceived threat of job loss was positively relate
d to the use of both control and escape coping whereas sense of powerl
essness was negatively related to the use of control coping. Control c
oping was associated with positive outcomes and escape coping with neg
ative outcomes. Coping had both additive and interactive effects on th
e outcome variables. The implications of these findings for management
are discussed.