Methods of overcoming resistance to change

Question 1

What is the reason for failed change programmes ?

Answer 1

1. Employees don’t understand purpose/need for change
2. Lack of planning and preparation
3. Poor communication
4. Employees lack necessary skills/training and development
5. Lack of necessary business resources
6. In adequate/inappropriate rewards

Question 2

Explain the approach to overcoming resistance to change through education and communication

Answer 2

1. Communicate effectively the reason why change is needed with stakeholders
2. Honest communication about issues to help people see logic behind change
3. Effective education, helps address misconceptions about change
4. Must be delivered consistently over long period of time to be effective

Question 3

Explain the approach to overcoming resistance to change through participation and involvement

Answer 3

1. ” On-board” people through change in programme
2. Participation which leads to commitment, not compliance
3. Avoids delays and obstacles

Question 4

Explain the approach to overcoming resistance to change through facilitation and support

Answer 4

1. Kotter Schlesinger identifies most people need support to cope with change
2. Includes additional training, counselling, mentoring to listen to those affected as they may be experiencing fear/anxiety towards change

Question 5

Explain the approach to overcoming resistance to change through manipulation and co-option

Answer 5

1. Brining specific individuals into roles part of change management
2. Selective use of information to encourage individuals to behave in a specific way
3. Only used if other resistance to change methods are ineffective

Question 6

Explain the approach to overcoming resistance to change through negotiation and bargaining

Answer 6

1. Gives people who resist, an incentive to change and or leave the organisation
2. Involves offering better financial rewards for those who accept requirements
3. Used if business needs to restructure organisation

Question 7

Explain the approach to overcoming resistance to change through explicit and implicit coercion

Answer 7

1. “Last-resort” if other methods ineffective
2. Involves people being told implications and suggesting negative consequences for resisting change, without making direct threat
3. Negatively impacts trust between people in the business, leading to damaged morale