Ybema & Hovers (2017) Resistance through compliance

Question 1

Frontstage vs backstage resistance

Answer 1

Backstage resistance:
* performing imposed policies and purporting a will to cooperate in front regions while failing to act upon their proclaimed commitment or acting against it in back regions.
* Perhaps backstage resisters’ camouflaging of dissent is sometimes risk-free and ineffectual

Frontstage resistance:
* Presenting themselves as resistant and openly protesting change initiatives, while engaging in compliant behaviours in their day-to-day work behind the scenes.
* Noise-making is sometimes like barking without biting – empty and brave posturing that in the end amounts to nothing more than a ‘terrifying silence’
* It also clearly signalled discontent, hampered the change process, frustrated change managers, and could put those who practised it on management’s blacklist.
* Yielding particular perks, the risk of open protest made others careful to maintain a compliant appearance.
* This created an alibi of sorts, useful for practising lassitude and voicing doubts, indifference, mockery and critique in unmanaged spaces.