3.6.2 - Key factors in change

Question 1

What are the key factors in change

Answer 1

Key factors in change:

a) Organisational culture
b) Size of organisation
c) Time/speed of change
d) Managing resistance to change

Question 2

What is change management

Answer 2

• Change management means planning and implementation of change in a way that is mindful of those who will be affected by the changes. If a business attempts to force changes on the workforce – problems will arise. Changes must be; realistic, achievable and measurable (RAM)

Question 3

What is planned change

Answer 3

• Refers to change which is planned by the top management of a business

This could be:
* Board of Directors
* The Owners
* Senior leadership team

Question 4

What is emergent change

Answer 4

• This is change that happens at any level in the organisation and is the result of an event or need
• E.g. Computer back-up system has failed so a new IT system must be installed which will require training for all staff

Question 5

What are the key factors in organisational culture change

Answer 5

• Successful change is based on redefining those existing norms and values and getting commitment from workers towards new ones
• E.g. introducing a uniform

Question 6

How is size of organisation a key factor in change

Answer 6

• As a business grows there will be inevitable changes within the organisation
• For example as a business grows from ltd to plc so that they can raise more finance by floating share on the stock market this will mean huge changes for the business

Question 7

How is time/speed a key factor in change

Answer 7

• One of the main problems with change is to align expectations with reality
• Changes that happen too quickly will mean that employees may experience stress

Question 8

What is resistance to change

Answer 8

behaviour which is intended to protect an individual from the affects real or imagined of change

Question 9

How can you manage resistance to change

Answer 9

Resistance can be managed by working with employees, listening to their concerns and trying to understand them

Question 10

What are the ways to reduce resistance to change

Answer 10

• The business will need to:
• Deliver training programs
• Focus on the positive aspects
• Design flexibility into the change – this will give employees time to adapt
• Involve employees effected in the planning of change, adding their ideas