Involuntary termination of employment: legal and practical considerations.

Involuntary termination of employment is the final step in the human resource management life cycle. It often is viewed negatively because it may connote failure on the part of the employee. In some circumstances, however, it may indicate management's failure to turn a situation around. Although you may never expect an involuntary termination to be a pleasant experience, management can find some consolation in assuring that the decision is well founded and based on legitimate, nondiscriminatory reasons.