T4 V2

Question 1

What is meant by the change-agent centric view of resistance?

Answer 1

The change-agent centric view refers to the idea that resistance is seen as an irrational and dysfunctional response of change recipients, while change agents are considered to be doing the right and proper things. This view often places the blame for resistance solely on the recipients.

Question 2

How does Ford et al. propose expanding the understanding of resistance?

Answer 2

Ford et al. suggest expanding the understanding of resistance by viewing it as a label given by change agents in response to recipient reactions, considering how change agents contribute to resistance through their own actions, and recognizing the potential positive contributions of resistance to change.

Question 3

What role does sensemaking play in the context of organizational change?

Answer 3

Sensemaking refers to the process where both change agents and recipients interpret and give meaning to the change. Change agents try to figure out how to implement change, while recipients ask, “What will happen to me?” Both sides actively construct their understanding of the change.

Question 4

How do expectations shape resistance to change?

Answer 4

Expectations influence change agents’ sensemaking. If change agents expect resistance, they are more likely to find it, plan for it, and inadvertently confirm its existence through their own actions. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy of resistance.

Question 5

What are self-serving accounts in the context of resistance?

Answer 5

Self-serving accounts are explanations provided by change agents to justify failures or challenges in the change process. They often blame resistance from recipients, allowing agents to maintain a favorable image of themselves while deflecting responsibility.

Question 6

How do broken agreements contribute to resistance?

Answer 6

Change agents may contribute to resistance by breaking agreements, whether knowingly or unknowingly, and failing to restore trust. This can lead to resentment, decreased productivity, and less cooperation from recipients, which is often labeled as resistance.

Question 7

How do communication breakdowns contribute to resistance?

Answer 7

Resistance can arise from communication breakdowns such as failure to legitimize change, misrepresentation of change outcomes, and failing to call people to action. These breakdowns increase uncertainty and reduce trust in the change process.

Question 8

What does it mean to legitimize change, and why is it important?

Answer 8

To legitimize change, change agents must provide strong, well-developed justifications for the change that recipients can accept. This helps create readiness for change and increases participation and acceptance among recipients.

Question 9

How does misrepresentation by change agents contribute to resistance?

Answer 9

Change agents may unintentionally or intentionally misrepresent the benefits and costs of change, leading to unrealistic expectations. When these expectations are not met, recipients may feel deceived, resulting in resistance.

Question 10

How does the lack of a clear call for action contribute to resistance?

Answer 10

Simply talking about change without clearly directing recipients to take specific actions can lead to inaction. If no clear call for action is given, change agents may misinterpret the lack of action as resistance rather than poor communication.

Question 11

What does it mean for change agents to “resist resistance”?

Answer 11

Resisting resistance refers to the behavior of change agents when they ignore or downplay the concerns or objections of change recipients. This can intensify the resistance, as recipients may feel that their input is being dismissed.

Question 12

How can resistance be viewed as a resource in change management?

Answer 12

Resistance can be valuable as it keeps conversations about change alive, provides feedback for improvement, and shows recipient engagement. Rather than dismissing it, change agents can use resistance to refine and strengthen the change process.

Question 13

What is the existence value of resistance?

Answer 13

The existence value of resistance lies in its ability to keep the conversation about change alive, even if the conversation is critical. This allows for further clarification, discussion, and potentially increased legitimacy of the change.

Question 14

How does resistance demonstrate engagement with change?

Answer 14

Resistance can indicate that recipients are thoughtfully engaged with the change. Recipients who critically analyze or question the change may be more committed to ensuring its success, compared to those who passively accept it.

Question 15

How can resistance strengthen change efforts?

Answer 15

Resistance, as a form of conflict, can improve the quality of decisions and increase commitment to the change. Treating resistance as functional conflict allows for better decision-making and greater long-term support for the change.

Question 16

What does it mean to “reconstruct resistance”?

Answer 16

Reconstructing resistance involves viewing it as a dynamic interaction between change agents and recipients, where both parties contribute to the situation. It highlights the importance of agent sensemaking and the agent-recipient relationship in shaping resistance.

Question 17

What is “recipient action” in the context of resistance?

Answer 17

Recipient action refers to any behavior or communication from change recipients in response to a change initiative. These actions, which are observable, form the basis of what change agents may label as resistance.

Question 18

How does agent sensemaking contribute to resistance?

Answer 18

Agent sensemaking is the process by which change agents interpret recipient actions. Resistance only exists when agents label certain behaviors or reactions as such. Therefore, sensemaking plays a key role in shaping the perception of resistance.

Question 19

Why is resistance considered a public phenomenon?

Answer 19

Resistance is public because it is based on observable actions or behaviors of recipients, not private or internal feelings. These actions trigger change agents’ sensemaking and are labeled as resistance based on how agents interpret them.

Question 20

What does “overcoming resistance” involve, according to Ford et al.?

Answer 20

Overcoming resistance involves managing the agent-recipient relationship effectively, making both recipient actions and agent sensemaking part of the conversation. It’s about engaging both sides in dialogue to address concerns and improve collaboration.

Question 21

How does sensemaking affect whether recipient actions are labeled as resistance?

Answer 21

Sensemaking determines how change agents interpret recipient actions. Actions are not inherently resistant but become labeled as such when agents assign that meaning based on their interpretations of recipient behavior.

Question 22

What is the self-fulfilling prophecy in the context of resistance?

Answer 22

The self-fulfilling prophecy occurs when change agents expect resistance and, as a result, act in ways that lead to the very resistance they were trying to avoid, thus confirming their original expectations.

Question 23

How do psychological contracts relate to resistance?

Answer 23

Psychological contracts are the unspoken agreements between change agents and recipients. When these are violated, recipients may feel betrayed, leading to behaviors that agents label as resistance.

Question 24

How does procedural justice influence resistance to change?

Answer 24

Procedural justice refers to the fairness of the processes used to implement change. When recipients perceive the process as fair, they are more likely to accept the change. Injustice can lead to resistance, often expressed through negative behaviors.

Question 25

Why is managing the agent-recipient relationship crucial in overcoming resistance?

Answer 25

The agent-recipient relationship shapes how resistance is expressed and perceived. By managing this relationship effectively, change agents can address concerns, build trust, and reduce the likelihood of resistance escalating.