The buzz is in the air. And your friends are calling to confirm it: is your company being taken over? There is no confirmation. Bosses have stonewalled all inquiries. No official communication so far has dismissed or acknowledged the news. And worse, business has come to a standstill with anxious clients preferring to wait and watch.

The globalised corporate world has its own share of problems. The growing number of mergers and acquisitions and the ensuing uncertainties are just a few of them. What is traumatic for most executives more than the outcome is the uncertainty that lingers on until a deal has been sealed. But before fretting over a job cut, there are a few things that executives should look out for:

The areas of functional overlap between the two companies, the strength and the profiles of the employees.

The nature of the deal-if it is part of any distress selling or growth plan.

Criticality of the individual's role in the company.

Says Santrupt Misra, director, HR, A.V. Birla Group: "Layoffs remain confined to functions where there is duplication. And if it is a growing business even that gets minimised with most employees getting redeployed." And a takeover by a fund-flush firm may actually bode well for ambitious employees looking out for professional growth. It is also true that acquisition is the best time for spring-cleaning. So, deadwood and people surviving for reasons other than professional ones must watch out. "They are prime candidates for downsizing and it is better they start looking out well in advance," he says.

PREP TALK

Rajneesh Singh, general manager (HR), Hutch India, talks about tackling occupational hazards.

Q. I have a short-tempered boss. Apprehensive about him losing his temper, I deliberately avoid him. Is it proper to do so?
A. It is important to find out if the boss is short-tempered with a select few or with everyone. If it is a select few then it could be because of some bias or for some specific reason. So it is important to find out the reasons behind it. And if unmanageable, it is best to start looking out.

Q. Should I accept an inter-departmental transfer in my company?
A. Most successful organisations today move their high potential executives across departments and functions to groom them for the big job. So an inter-departmental transfer in itself may actually be a good thing. But it is best to do a reality check on your aspirations and ask if you are going to be a generalist or a specialist.

Q. My junior has been promoted to a position above me. Should I quit?
A. A lot depends on your nature and the hang-ups you have. Practical people not so obsessed about designations will just congratulate the junior and carry on.

Q. I was expecting to be made the department head. I just heard they are hiring a new chief from outside.
A. It is a clear signal that you are not considered fit for that job. It is time for you to do a reality check of your growth and position and plan your next career move.

Compiled by Malini Goyal