Organisations need to change if there is to be growth and progress in what they do. The time it takes to reach the point where change cannot be avoided will vary, but it is certain that it will arrive sooner or later.
The catalyst for change can take many forms, and successful organisations will be ready to work in a positive and structured manner when they encounter the need for action. The failures in managing change are easily identifiable where organisations have expected results “ASAP”, but had no process in place for the management of the introduction of the change.
Many factors cause organisational change, and these include:
- pressures in relation to growth, especially in the environment of global markets
- economic difficulties and recessions which lead to ever-tougher trading conditions
- changes in the strategic focus of the organisation and related bodies
- costly or unforseen technological changes to products or resources
- competition pressures, not limited to mergers, acquisitions, and outsourcing
- customer pressure, driven by requirements for increased value in shifting markets
- development of new learnings and new organisation behaviours and skills
- more complex and increased and government legislation and initiatives.
Many organisations exist in a state of flux, frequently changing focus, and expanding or contracting their activities, whilst refining their products and services. How many organisations can you think of that look the same as they did even five years ago? What will they be like in the next year or two compared to today?
Managers have to be able to introduce and manage change to ensure the organisational objectives of any such change are met, as well as gaining the commitment of their people, both during and after implementation. Often, this change is necessary to be achieved in parallel with the continued normal operation of the organisation.
Here there is need for specific questions to be asked:
- Why is this change needed?
- What is the consequence of not changing?
- Why is managing change important?
- What are the issues in the change management process?
- How can an organisation make change management more effective?
- Who plays a role in managing change?
IiE have a range of Tools and Approaches for managing change in the most effective way possible. Contact us to find out how we can facilitate successful change management in your organisation.