Kotter and Schlesinger Flashcards
What is Kotter and Schlesinger?
A business theory that identifies four main reasons as to why change is resisted: self interest, low tolerance for change, different assessment and misinformation / misunderstanding
What are the four main reasons identified by Kotter and Schlesinger as to why change is resisted?
- Self interest
- Low tolerance for change or inertia
- Different assessment of the situation
- Misinformation and misunderstanding
What is meant by self interest?
When employees take their personal situation into account: they may think there’s a threat to job security, status and financial position if change were to go ahead
When is self interest a strong motivator?
If there is weak employee loyalty
What is meant by misinformation and misunderstanding?
People don’t understand why change is needed
What is meant by different assessment of the situation?
There is disagreement about the need for change or what the change needs to be
What is the difference between self interest and different assessment?
Self interest is about an individuals personal situation whereas different assessment concerns the entire firm
What is meant by low tolerance and inertia?
People preferring things to stay the way they are
Why does low tolerance and inertia exist?
Many people need security, predictability and stability in their work
What are the six ways to overcome change?
- Education and communication
- Participation and involvement
- Facilitation and support
- Manipulation and co-option
- Negotiation and bargaining
- Explicit and implicit coercion
What is education and communication?
Effectively communicating the reasons for change and addressing misconceptions
What is participation and involvement?
Bringing people on board who would otherwise resist: creates commitment instead of just compliance
What is facilitation and support?
Additional training, counselling and mentoring to help people cope with change
What is manipulation and co-option?
Manipulation: encouraging people to behave in a certain way
Co-option: bringing specific individuals into roles that are part of change
What is negotiation and bargaining?
Giving people who resist an incentive to change
