scholarly journals Improving change management: how communication nature influences resistance to change

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 324-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Matos Marques Simoes ◽  
Mark Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Change Process ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Radical Change ◽  
Communication Management ◽  
Dialogic Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Change Communication ◽  
Effective Change

Purpose – Little has been studied yet in terms of how communication nature influences change process. The purpose of this paper is to explore a case study that takes part in a broader research project, aimed to contribute in this direction. Design/methodology/approach – Mix methodology has been applied to the findings, to characterize resistance to change and communication nature within one organization under a radical change process. Findings – One main theoretical contribution is an instrumental grid to characterize dialogic communication nature. Originality/value – Findings of the case study originally indicate that resistance to change reduces under dialogic communication and by revealing how communication dimensions perform in time, practitioners may enhance guidelines to effective change communication management.

Leadership and Strategic Change under Ambiguity

1996 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 673-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Louis Denis ◽  
Ann Langley ◽  
Linda Cazale ◽  
Jean-Louis Denis ◽  
Linda Cazale ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Change ◽  
Collaborative Leadership ◽  
Radical Change ◽  
Leadership Roles ◽  
Linear Pattern ◽  
Effective Change ◽  
Leadership Group ◽  
Political Realignment ◽  
University Affiliation

This paper draws on a case study of a large public hospital to examine the processes of leadership and strategic change in organizations where goals are unclear and authority is fluid and ambiguous. The case history describes the evolution of leadership roles during a period of radical change in which a general hospital acquires a university affiliation while moving towards a more integrated form of management. The study traces the tactics used by members of the leadership group to stimulate change, and the corresponding impact of these tactics on both the progress of change and on leadership roles themselves. It is suggested that strategic change in these organizations requires collaborat ive leadership involving constellations of actors playing distinct but tightly-knit roles. Yet, collaborative leadership is fragile and can easily disintegrate due to intemal conflict or to discreditation associated with more unpopular (although potentially effective) change tactics. Thus, under ambiguity, radical trans formations may tend to occur in a cyclical non-linear pattern with periods of substantive change alternating with periods of political realignment. The paper concludes with a series of five propositions concerning the collaborative, cyc lical, interpretative, and entropic nature of leadership and strategic change pro cesses under ambiguity.

Mergers in Indian public sector banks: can human resource practices ensure effective implementation of change?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richa Singh ◽  
Geetika Goel ◽  
Piyali Ghosh ◽  
Saitab Sinha
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Change Implementation ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Public Sector Banks ◽  
Hr Practices ◽  
Effective Change

PurposeThis study examines the link of effective change implementation (CIE) with select human resource (HR) practices and employees' resistance to change (RTC) amidst ongoing mergers in Indian public sector banks (PSBs). It also intends to highlight the role of RTC as a mediator in this mechanism.Design/methodology/approachThe authors used a structured questionnaire administered through a survey of employees of select PSBs that have undergone mergers. The hypothesized relationships were tested on 220 responses with structural equation modelling.FindingsTraining and communication of change as HR practices were found to have significant effects in implementing change. RTC fully mediated the relationship of training and CIE, and partially mediated the association of communication and CIE. Communication had a stronger influence on RTC than training. This finding upholds the importance of communication but also implies that training can reinforce effective communication of change and may not affect the implementation if not directed towards handling resistance.Practical implicationsThe significance of communication as a finding supports the theory of planned behaviour. The authors’ results also align with the social exchange theory and can be extended to the job demands-resources model. PSBs may plan for phase-wise training initiatives starting from the announcement till the end of a merger. PSBs also need to effectively communicate all relevant HR issues to employees, thus being transparent and fair. Both online and offline modes of communication can be explored. Overall, the senior management has to imbibe the handholding of employees in the short term and a sense of empathy in the longer term.Originality/valueResearch on HR in Indian banking mergers seems to take a back seat vis-à-vis strategic issues and financial performance. There also is a limited empirical examination of the role of HR practices in effective change implementation. This paper addresses both these issues by proposing a conceptual model and empirically validating it amidst the merger of PSBs. The authors also highlight how training and communication are effective in handling resistance to change.

scholarly journals Patents valuation in core innovation: case study of a Brazilian public university

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuri Basile Tukoff-Guimarães ◽  
Claudia Terezinha Kniess ◽  
Renato Penha ◽  
Mauro Silva Ruiz
Keyword(s):  
Technology Transfer ◽  
Public University ◽  
Sao Paulo ◽  
The State ◽  
Future Research ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Valuation Methods

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess how technology transfer offices (TTOs) of a public university of the state of São Paulo use patent valuation methods in the process of using developed technology value and transferring technology to industry. Design/methodology/approach This study is an exploratory qualitative investigation based on a case study conducted in a public university in the state of São Paulo. The university has a TTO and an internal structure for technology transfer. In-depth interviews were conducted with the TTO manager about patent valuation and the answers given were analysed. Findings The results on how TTOs use patent valuation methods in the process of assigning value to technology indicate which factors facilitate and which factors hinder the valuation of patents in technologies developed at universities. Research limitations/implications The possible lack of data disclosure due to confidentiality regarding royalties and trading fees makes further comparisons between Brazilian public universities difficult. Therefore, this study recommends that further studies on patent valuation and technology transfer process at private universities, research institutes and public and private companies should be performed. Practical implications In the practice, this study contributes to companies and TTOs by increasing their synergies in licensing negotiations, as well as by reducing the gap of information, between the business parties for assignment and transfer of technologies. With regard to theoretical contribution, this study can cite advances in the methods to measure the financial benefits arising from the valuation of technologies embedded in the patents. Originality/value Owing to the lack of research on the methods of valuation used by TTOs of Brazilian universities, the present study can be useful in serving as a theoretical source for future research and in supporting future TTO negotiations in the process of transferring technologies to productive industry.

scholarly journals Organising to beat the Trade Union Act (2016) voting thresholds: a case study of organising and tactics from the University and College Union

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Richards ◽  
Vaughan Ellis
Keyword(s):  
Trade Union ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
College Union ◽  
The University ◽  
Further Development

PurposeA retrospective action-research case study of one branch of the University and College Union (UCU) is used to show how threshold requirements of the Act can be systematically beaten.Design/methodology/approachThe paper responds to calls for “best practice” on how trade unions may react to member voting threshold requirements of the Trade Union Act 2016 (the Act). A broader aim is to make a theoretical contribution related to trade union organising and tactics in “get the vote out” (GTVO) industrial action organising campaigns.FindingsFindings are presented as a lead organiser's first-hand account of a successful GTVO campaign contextualised in relation to theories of organising. The findings offer “best practice” for union organisers required to beat the Act's voting thresholds and also contribute to theories surrounding trade union organising tactics.Research limitations/implicationsFurther development and adaptation of the proposed model may be required when applied to larger bargaining units and different organising contexts.Practical implicationsThe findings can inform the organising practices/tactics of trade unions in relation to statutory ballots. The findings also allow Human Resource (HR) practitioners to reflect on their approach to dealing with unions capable of mounting successful GTVO campaigns.Social implicationsThe findings have the potential to collectively empower workers, via their trade unions, to defend and further their interests in a post-financial crisis context and in the shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic.Originality/valueThis is the first known empirical account of organising to exceed voting thresholds of the Act, providing practical steps for union organisers in planning for statutory ballots. Further value lies in the paper's use of a novel first-hand account of a GTVO campaign, offering a new and first, theoretical model of organising tactics to beat the Act.

scholarly journals Linking relationship marketing to social embeddedness in a rural bilingual context

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-277
Author(s):  
Sara Parry ◽  
Paul Westhead
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Marketing ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Study Participant ◽  
Social Embeddedness ◽  
Resource Constrained ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Strategic Resources

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the evolution of relationship marketing (RM) in a new technology-based firm (NTBF) and to illustrate how social embeddednesss benefits can be achieved by engaging in RM in a rural resource-constrained bilingual context. Design/methodology/approach A single in-depth case study of a NTBF operating in a rural bilingual context was explored over a five-year period. As part of the case study, participant observation was carried out and interviews with the novice entrepreneur, the firm’s employees and its customers were conducted. Findings Developing mutually beneficial relationships with customers and key partners can enable a novice entrepreneur with no prior business ownership and limited marketing experience to accumulate and mobilise resources in order to achieve credibility and business growth. By analysing information from the NTBF’s entrepreneur, customers and other actors, the authors build theory and present propositions relating to the RM process. Practical implications This case illustrates that RM can enhance the legitimacy of an inexperienced entrepreneur, and can enable a firm to address the liabilities of newness in a rural resource-constrained context. Entrepreneurs need to focus on relevant and specialised partnership and alliance relationships that can provide strategic resources for firm development. The bilingual influence has also been shown to aid the development of new relationships and thus ensuring social embeddedness. Originality/value The theoretical contribution of this study is to integrate insights from both RM and social embeddedness theories, and illustrate the extent to which a NTBF demonstrates social embeddedness benefits relating to customer retention and accumulation of strategic resources due to RM.

The Crown Prince Court’s Training and Career Development section: managing training for its employees

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Alya Ateeq Al Remeithi ◽  
Syed Zamberi Ahmad
Keyword(s):  
Career Development ◽  
Change Management ◽  
Change Process ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Development Program ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employee Resistance ◽  
Crown Prince

Learning outcomes This case study focuses on change management and employee resistance when implementing a new initiative. The case may be helpful to students to clarify their understanding of the following: the importance of employee involvement in the change management process in the government sector. Understand how to help employees to deal with change more effectively, maintaining their commitment and bringing them successfully through the change. Understand the importance of communication during the change process. Successful approaches used when implementing change, such as the Lewin model and Kotter 8. The obstacles to change, including resistance and adverse reactions to change and connecting employees, as well as the causes of resistance when implementing a change. Case overview/synopsis The Crown Prince’s Court is an independent government entity established in 1971, providing support to the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi with the help of almost 300 employees. The Training and Career Development subsection headed by Sumaya Al Saedi decided to initiate an online training and development program for employees. Given that national service, maternity leave and emergency leave had led to working pressure and less training and development for the employees, Sumaya and her team realized that few employees were registering for the course and few of those that did register actually completed their course. Several causes were identified that had led to employees avoiding the online courses. Work pressure and technical issues were among the most salient reasons that kept registered employees from completing the course. The lack of policies at an institutional level to aid changes in training structures reduced the number of employees who felt that they could register for the courses. Therefore, Sumaya and her team had to decide how to attract their employees to online courses and how to support them. Complexity academic level This case study was written for Change Management courses in Bachelor of Business Administration programs. This case examines employee resistance to change when implementing a new system. It can, therefore, be used for undergraduate-level courses. As it concerns employees during the implementation of changes, this case study can be used to help students develop their planning and implementation skills. By focusing on internal departmental challenges, students are introduced to the change process of implementing an initiative and how to deal with employees in the organization. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 6: Human Resource Management.

Change readiness as fluid trajectories: a longitudinal multiple-case study

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 1153-1175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Hemme ◽  
Matthew T. Bowers ◽  
Janice S. Todd
Keyword(s):  
Public Service ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Multiple Case Study ◽  
Relative Strength ◽  
Change Readiness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
External Stakeholder ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
High Level

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze change process perceptions of public service employees and document how change readiness belief salience fluctuates and evolves throughout the implementation of a major organizational restructuring effort. Design/methodology/approach This research is a longitudinal multiple-case study of a major transformation initiative in a large North American public recreation organization. Over the course of 15 months, the authors conducted four rounds of personal interviews with 19 participants (65 interviews in total, each lasting 25–45 min). Additionally, the authors analyzed internal e-mail correspondence, memos, and meeting agendas, as well as external stakeholder communication. Finally, the primary researcher spent a significant amount of time collecting field notes while shadowing high-level managers and employees and attending meetings. Findings Overall, the authors documented a clear hierarchy of change readiness dimensions. The relative strength and temporal persistence of these dimensions can be traced back to various public organizing particularities. Moreover, the authors found that an initial focus on some readiness dimensions facilitated subsequent sensemaking processes whereas others hindered such engagement with the change project. Research limitations/implications This research is the first to empirically document temporal fluidity of change readiness dimensions and salience. Moreover, it offers a rare in-depth look at a changing public service organization. Practical implications This research helps change agents in developing tailored change messages and to better understand potential sources of frustration and resistance to change efforts. Originality/value No similar efforts exist to document the underlying dynamism of evolving change readiness perceptions.

Explaining implementation difficulties associated with activity-based costing through system uses

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-198 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elodie Allain ◽  
Claude Laurin
Keyword(s):  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Insurance Company ◽  
Activity Based Costing ◽  
General Applicability ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cost System ◽  
Scope Of Application ◽  
Costing System

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how and why the uses (enabling or controlling) of an activity-based costing system could cause difficulties in implementing such a cost system. Design/methodology/approach The authors conducted a case study in a French insurance company. Three successive research periods were undertaken: from March to August 2005, between October 2008 and June 2009, and in 2012. In total, 51 interviews were conducted during these periods. Other useful information was also collected through conversations, observation, and through the consultation of internal documents. Findings The results show that designing a cost system aimed at being simultaneously used in controlling and enabling ways can generate important difficulties. Furthermore, the results show that attempting to get around these difficulties could result in investing significant amounts of resources with no guarantee of success. Research limitations/implications Beyond the difficulties of extending the scope of application of case studies, the study was conducted in an organization involved in the insurance industry which could further limit its general applicability. Practical implications Based on the experience at Rassura, the authors argue that managers should be aware that designing and implementing a cost system that can simultaneously be used in both controlling and enabling ways is a very difficult, if not an insurmountable challenge. Originality/value The results highlight that one important characteristic of a cost system, how it is used, could explain, at least partially, implementation difficulties related to technical challenges, resistance to change and lack of resources.

Competing corporate sustainability perceptions in a global retail organization

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulf Elg ◽  
Jens Hultman ◽  
Axel Welinder
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Communication Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Country Level ◽  
Strategic Issue ◽  
Retail Managers ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose is to explore the different and often contradictory perceptions individual managers have about corporate sustainability within a global retailer.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative case study method is used, including interviews and document studies. The authors study the global retailer IKEA. In total the authors have interviewed respondents on both the global level and the country level, within the sustainability organization as well as corporate, sales and communication management. The study includes managers in Sweden, the UK and Germany.FindingsThe research is based on institutional theory, focusing upon cognitive and normative aspects; the authors propose that managers may have a proactive, forceful view on sustainability or a reactive view. These need to coexist. The authors also show how global retailers can balance sustainability goals with other business considerations, as well as about the implications of the sustainability approach for the retailer's business model.Practical implicationsRetail managers need to recognize and integrate the contradictory views on sustainability that managers hold. The authors show how sustainability can be given different impact depending on the context and the strategic issue it is linked to.Originality/valueMost studies have focused on how sustainability is managed on an organizational level and how different goals can co-exist. The authors’ focus is on individual managers and their perceptions of sustainability – what it includes, how they want to manage sustainability issues, and the priority it should be given.

Corporate governance in Kenya's public universities

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 342-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Mwanzia Mulili
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Public Universities ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the corporate governance practices adopted by public universities in Kenya, itself a developing country. Corporate governance practices in Africa, especially the sub-Saharan part, are weak and limited research has been done in this area. Design/methodology/approach – The researcher adopted the realism paradigm and relied on qualitative data obtained from five case study organizations. A total of 15 informants were interviewed. The data were recorded, transcribed and subjected to content analysis using the NVIVO software. Findings – The researcher established that the governance of the said institutions is constrained by numerous challenges that include, among many others, large student numbers, overstretched facilities, insufficient government support, inadequate induction of new staff, resistance to change and cultures that support impunity on the part of some non-performing employees. Practical implications – This research recommends several strategies that can be used to improve the governance of the said institutions and, by extension, that of similar institutions in developing countries. Originality/value – The study provides empirical evidence to support the proposition that different corporate governance theories, such as the stakeholders theory, political theory and resource dependency theory, can be used simultaneously by the same firm. On this basis, the research suggests the adoption of a combined theory of corporate governance.

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