Change Management

MANAGEMENT OF CHANGE IN AN ORGANIZATION

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The subject of change in a business entity or any other organization is a matter of grave concern to managers and owners. While all organizations must encounter change in their lifetime, how they carry out the change has major effects on the future following the change (Osborne and Brown, 2005). Change could mean anything from better working conditions and growth, to threatening conditions at the place of work or even loss of job. Change is therefore an emotive subject that requires deep study. This paper studies change in an organization and looks at the ways in which change can be done to benefit an organization. The paper also looks at the dangers of carrying out change in an inappropriate manner, making use of a case study to clearly show the two aspects. Through an analysis, this paper demonstrates how the change at ‘Tanfeeth’ was inappropriate and further suggests that effective change management requires proper and effective planning and employee involvement at every stage.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

Life is dynamic and ever changing with events such as business expansions, acquisitions, and transfers, social, political and economic endeavours all involving change. Change is therefore, an important and inevitable part of life. People vary in the way they react to change. For some it represents a time of expansion and great opportunities, but for others it is a time of loss (Anon., 2013a). Change is caused by either internal factors like organization’s inner problems or desire for better performance, or external factors like political or economic pressures (Martin, 2006). How such responses to change are managed is important for business continuity and thriving in a work business.

When change occurs, the entire organization may be affected by it. At the same time, it may only affect a small portion of the organization. Whichever way, it always involves significant change in the way people operate and the...