Is lowering morale an effective strategy for downsizing an organization due to people quitting voluntarily?

Answer 1

It would probably work, but unfortunately the people who could leave the easiest, so would probably be the first ones out the door, are probably the ones you want to keep rather than the ones you want to get rid of. Overall, a really bad tactic I'd say.

Answer 2

Wouldn''t it make more sense to proactively get rid of the folks you want to get rid? Your plan means that you will lose good people and bad people. A true leader will take active steps to get rid of the ones not pulling their weight.