People Resistance Change
Introduction
Business leaders often imposed power to their subordinates in order to have a socially responsible organisation. This effort usually changes not only the culture of the business organisation but also their overall business process. Over the past years people, business practices and the environment have evolved. Change is the only thing that is constant in this ever changing world. From the physical attributes of individuals, up to the environment, change is very evident. Just like the environment and people, businesses also undergoes changes, it can be either massive or minimal. Others practice the virtue of being socially responsible, while others are not. Often times, changes occur in the management of the corporation, in order to keep up with the competition. According to MacCalman & Paton (2000) the people who went home winners and on top have the common characteristics of effectively handling the changes in the situation. Changes in management is a process that any organisation must undergo, a business will not be complete if it never experienced change.
Discussions
Before we discussed change management, the word change must be first defined. According to Davidson (2001) “change is the significant difference in what was before.” In business it means accomplishing tasks in a new format, following new directions, acquiring new technologies, new management procedures, acquisitions and merging and other important events in corporations.
Organisations and people that resist changes will inevitably face wider exposure to risks and losses (Griffin, 1993). As illustrated in the book of Griffin (1993), there are a number of situations in which change is necessary within the organisation such as socially responsible activities that is being utilised by different companies in order to cope up with the competition. Aside from what was mentioned earlier, there are still many issues and concerns that are necessary for change in the organisation, however the most substantial thing is that organisations acknowledge that changes happen constantly for different reasons and the management must address these changes as soon as possible to prevent great losses.
Why an organisation does undergo changes? What are the factors and reasons for undertaking it? According to MacCalman & Parton the most influential factor in changes in organisations is the external environment which instigates reaction. Some of the examples given by MacCalman & Parton in the external environment that triggers changes in the organisation are:
- Changes in technology being utilised
- Changes in the tastes and expectations of the consumers
- Changes due to competition
- Changes because of legislation by the government
- Changes due to modifications in the economy whether locally or internationally
- Changes in the communications media
- Changes in the value systems of the society
- Changes in the supply chain
- Changes in the distribution chain
The second factor that initiates change in the organisation is the internal changes which are the reactions of the organisation to the external changes. Aside from the responses there are also some factors that contribute to the internal changes, an example of this is a new marketing strategy for existing and new products with consideration to their stance of being socially responsible.
And finally, changes in organisation happen if they try to act in advance in order to deal with the expected risks and difficulty. An example is when an organisation anticipates the problems that may occur and creates and devises plans to combat and negate the impact of those problems.
One of the keys for a successful organisation is a good manager with excellent leadership traits. Can you imagine an organisation, a company, or any other organisation succeeds without good governance? According to Kousez & Posner (2002), credibility is the foundation of a good manager. A manager should be credible for him to lead. In addition to this characteristic, a manager should possess honesty, competence, aspiration, and a forward-looking approach. Come to think of this, would you believe in managers who do not practice what they preach, do not walk the talk, do not do what they say they will do, and do not keep their promises? What would happen to the change process in a company if managers are lacking of skills?
As part of the development of the competitive advantage of the business organisation with respect to leadership capabilities of managers, several factors should be considered. Social responsibility, use of power, change management and of course leadership among business industries should be given enough priorities. If a proper leadership style and used of power are used firms can have the edge it has to counter any threats, solve any problems, and achieve its goals. Use of power given by leaders gives a company critical edge to counter any threats from its competitors and its environment. Use of power given by leaders helps to compete in a global business environment. It steers the company into making right decisions and right practices with regards to competitors thus enabling it to survive in the global business environment. Actually, it gives a company critical edge to solve problems it has. Through effective use of power and social responsibility this solving problems can be easier for any company. Methods and preventive measures can be formulated towards problems the company has. Use of power given by leaders gives a company critical edge to achieve its goal. Companies use different things to reach the goals and objectives they have. Without this the goals cannot be easily reached. Furthermore, the use of power given by leaders gives the company direction on what should be done. It provides ideas on what approach will be used on certain situations. It also directs the company in doing the right things so that the company can reach its goals.
CONCLUSION
As discussed, the knowledge of the underlying sources of competitive pressure highlights the critical areas where strategic changes may yield the greatest payoff, and highlights the areas where business industry trends promise to hold the greatest significance as either opportunities or threats. Understanding these sources will also prove to be useful in considering areas for diversification, though the primary focus is on strategy in the industry. With respect to the previous discussion and statement question, social responsibility alone is not only the essential thing to competitive advantage. Other factors such as change management, use of power and leadership also need enough consideration.
Basically, change management is a process in which all companies undergo. This is an important procedure because it enables the organisation to make decisions that will be advantageous and beneficial to the company. In addition, organisations that are open to change are generally more successful compare to companies that resist it. On the other hand, corporate leadership in accordance to their of power focuses on the techniques and expertise of efficient organisation, planning, direction, and control of the operations of a business. In this ever changing global business environment a company must be competitive and do everything it can to counter any threat from its competitors. Having a good leader gives the company some edge in facing competition in the global business environment. Companies take part in strategic alliances to attain advantage over their competitors and for both companies to acquire benefits from each other. These strategic alliances won’t be successful if there is no leadership. Leadership gives many things to the company. It is an important aspect of a company. Although leadership can come from core intellectual assets practical application is also vital for the success of the company and for the company to be competitive in the global business environment.
In examining issues of social responsibility, we may argue that it is integral to any business’ success. We may also wonder how the economy would affect consumers’ feelings over time. Most of the research literature came from an era of prosperity. Consumers could afford to be discriminating. As economic times become more difficult, would consumers forsake social responsibility for price? What does that say about the importance of social responsibility for the consumer? We will have to wait and see as consumer confidence wanes during hard economic times.
Research evidence and professional commentary (e.g. Smith, Thompson & Kenner, 1991) tout the benefits of giving for the individuals in management. While it is only natural that working outside of the corporate environment should help to hone leadership skills, the return on investment for the individual is not deeply addressed. While volunteerism is a whole new business ethos than that of the profit world, the “warm fuzzies” that are created from community involvement should lead to a more well rounded and confident citizen whether in business or private life.
The business of business is business. The good works of those who spend their daily lives in business or the professions are not inherently more noble than those made by men and women in other walks of life, but it is also evident that through community involvement, the business community distinguishes itself. It gives the community unique qualities which define business. Those in business are often tolerant of risk, embrace change, have the willingness to commit, know how to be accountable, and have the ability to persevere in the face of adversity. They are able to form profitable partnerships that will benefit all involved including the community and can translate those business principles to the public sector to insure success i.e. success for the community and success for the business.
REFERENCES:
Davidson, J.P. 2001, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Change Management, Alpha Books.
Griffin, R.W. 1993, Management (4th Ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.
Kouzes, JM & Posner BS 2002, The Leader Challenge, Second Edition. San Francisco, California: Jossey Bass Wiley.
MacCalman, J. & Parton, R. 2000. Change Management: A Guide to Effective Implementation, Sage Publications Inc.
Smith, H. L. & Thompson, JK 1991, Social responsibility and small business: Suggestions for research. Journal of Small Business Management. Vol. 29. No. 1
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