Organizational Development
Helpful Hints for Implementing Organizational Change
Managing organizational change is much more complex than traditionally taught in management courses. The unique environment and culture of each organization presents challenges to practicing organizational change theories outside of a classroom setting. Traditional change management courses present various challenges with generic solutions, however, the complexity in each organizational setting often presents unique challenges. Research on organizational change has identified some common issues that can help the change managers anticipate challenges and effectively overcome them in almost any situation.Common issues surrounding implementing and managing organizational change:
Asking those involved with implementing organizational change about their experiences identifies a number of potential problems which affect the success of a change implementation program. The most common issues identified are:- Politics involved in coordinating different teams/departments in the organization.
- Ingrained organizational cultures and norms that may be resistant to change.
- Resistance and obstacles to change stemming from colleagues or subordinates.
- Emphasis on the speed in which a change should be implemented.
- Existing organizational values that conflict with those implied by the need for organizational change.
How to overcome obstacles to change implementation:
Many organizations miss opportunities to learn from organizational change processes – by failing to monitor or evaluate the outcomes of changes that were implemented. Not taking the time to analyze the strengths/weaknesses of change implementation programs, increases the likelihood for repeated procedural mistakes. Learning how others experience organizational change and put theories into practice can be helpful, particularly for those new to positions responsible for implementing and managing organizational change. Two overarching themes are related to overcoming each of the potential issues identified earlier:- Adopt an advocacy role:
- Involve stakeholders:
Kathleen Melcher
DeGarmo
This was a summary of the research and practice implications from: Andrews, J., Cameron, H., & Harris, M. (2008). All change? Managers’ experience of organizational change in theory and practice. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 21(3), 300-314.