Managing successful change

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to help organisations understand the importance of managing organisational change in today's uncertain economic climate. How training in change management can help to provide a deeper knowledge of its principles and an understanding of how to implement and manage change in an organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Organizations operating in today's uncertain economic climate need to know how to manage change. This paper's approach is to show how they can prepare for change which will lead to a greater probability of success.

Findings

There is resistance to change in organisations, brought about largely by the fear of the unknown by people. Handled correctly, using known and tested change management techniques, change can be brought about successfully, achieving set goals and objectives and to budget.

Research limitations

As every organisation is different, there is no template for successful organisational change management. In reality, change cannot be wholly managed; it will emerge naturally once a strategy for change is in place.

Practical implications

A compelling case needs to be established as a key part of the project definition, as the more people agree at the outset that the objectives of a change initiative are necessary, the more they are likely to support any change. The outcome, impact and benefits should also be defined, taking care not to over‐emphasise the process of change over the impact on those involved.

Originality/value

Any organisation operating In today's uncertain economic climate needs to know how to manage change in order to survive. They need to react quickly to the global revolution, while at a local and national level keeping up with new technology and competition if they want to stay ahead of the game. This viewpoint provides these organisations with a conscious approach to getting ready for change, which is likely to lead to a greater probability of success.

Citation

Edmonds, J. (2011), "Managing successful change", Industrial and Commercial Training, Vol. 43 No. 6, pp. 349-353. https://doi.org/10.1108/00197851111160478