What is Organizational Change?

Organizational change is when an organization shifts from a strategic, structural, operational, financial, policy-related, procedural, technological, people-related, or cultural norm to another. Organizational change can happen rapidly and succinctly or slowly over an extended period of time. It can happen all at once or in successive stages.

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What are the reasons for Organizational Change?

The reasons for or driving forces behind organizational change can be grouped into two categories.

• External Factors- External factors might include any of the following:
  • Market Conditions (E.g., Consumer Needs/Wants)
  • New Governmental Laws
  • Technology
  • Economy
  • Globalization
• Internal Factors - Internal factors might include any of the following
  • New Organizational Strategy (E.g., Growth, Retrenchment, Stability, Turnaround)
  • Change in composition of the Workforce
  • New Equipment/Resources
  • Employee Attitudes

What is Change Management?

Change management is part of the core management functions - Planning, Organizing, Leading, Controlling. Specifically, change management involves all of the following activities

• Change Management Models - Managers develop models on how to best manage change in a given circumstance or situation.
• Change Management Processes - Managers must develop new processes and activities that effectuate the intent for change.
• Change Management Plans - Managers must coordinate and organize resources and activities that carry out the change-related processes.