The power transfer dynamics of preferential role positioning during organizational change: Employee leverage lessons from UK-based SMEs

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach

This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings

This research paper determines the impact of employee preferences during organizational change exercises. The UK SME results show how psychological change journeys can be divided into three progressive stages. Firstly, establishing new structures and procedures; secondly, implementing new ways of communicating; and thirdly, experiencing new collaborations. The equalizing concept of preferential role positioning proved to be powerful in giving employees an authoritative, collective change agent voice. This proved more effective – in shaping and progressing a change program's discourse and its policies – than any management attempts to silence employees through disciplinary processes.

Originality/value

The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Citation

(2021), "The power transfer dynamics of preferential role positioning during organizational change: Employee leverage lessons from UK-based SMEs", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 29 No. 3, pp. 23-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/HRMID-01-2021-0002