How can an organisation overcome resistance to change?
3 years ago
Principle of Management
An organisation can overcome resistance to change use of the following criteria:-
- Education and communication. Explain the need and logic for change to individuals, groups, etc. Benefits also need to be explained.
- Participation and Ensure everyone is involved to make fell part of the process, especially in initial stages.
- Facilitation and support. Offer re-training, time off, emotional support, and understanding during period of change. This will minimise negative effects on those affected by the change.
- Negotiation and Interact with potential resistors; establish their interests, compromise, solicit for support.
- Manipulation and co-optation. Entails giving key position to resistors to minimize resistance.
- Coercion. Threaten job loss or transfer, lack of promotion etc. this obviously is not a very effective approach
- Appoint a Suitable Change. The change agent must be competent and capable of minimising resistance.
Organisations can also use the ADKAR Model (by PROSCI Management Consultants)
- The change team can also apply the ADKAR Model to determine how change should be introduced and implemented.
- This model stresses the need for creating awareness and desire for change, disseminating knowledge on how to change, assessing the ability to implement change and then its reinforcement. The ADKAR model can thus be illustrated:
A – Awareness of why change is needed
D – Desire to support and participate
K – Knowledge of how to change
A – Ability to implement new skills
R – Reinforcement to sustain change
Susmita Sah
Jan 13, 2022