Organisational Change

Question 1

Reasons for BOTH resisting & welcoming change

Answer 1

• Security
• Money (travelling costs; job relocation)
• Pride & job satisfaction
• Friends & contacts
• Freedom
• Responsibility
• Authority/discretion
• Working conditions
• Status

Question 2

Individual reasons for RESISTING change

Answer 2

• Can’t see need for change
• Change do more harm than good
• Change requires effort
• Comes at a bad time ‘too much workload’
• Challenge to authority in the act of resistance
• Personal criticism of what individual has been doing
• Lack of respect for person initiating change
• Objection to the manner in which change communicated
• No participation ‘we weren’t asked’
• Negative attitude towards job

Question 3

Individual reasons for WELCOMING change

Answer 3

• Provides a new challenge
• Participation in decision
• Likes/respects the source of the change
• Likes manner in which change was suggested
• Change improves employee’s future prospects
• Change comes at a good time
• Reduces boredom of work
• Wants the change personally

Question 4

Describe a step-by-step approach a manager may use for facilitating change: Steps 1-4

Answer 4

1) Determine need/desire for change in particular area
2) Prepare tentative plan. (Brainstorming useful to consider alternatives to change)
3) Analyse probable reactions to the change
4) Make final decision from the choice of alternative options (decisions by group solving-participative; or manager alone-coercive)

Question 5

Describe a step-by-step approach a manager may use for facilitating change: Steps 5

Answer 5

5) Establish timetable for change:
- ‘Coerced’ changes implemented faster, no time for discussions, unless culture of excellence/innovation
- Speed of implementation available depend on reactions of people affected (all in favour etc.)
- Identify those in favour of change, set up pilot programme involving them, talk with those who resist change

Question 6

Describe a step-by-step approach a manager may use for facilitating change: Steps 6-7

Answer 6

6) Communicate plan for change (continuous process throughout 1-7)
7) Implement and review change. Continuous evaluation and modifications