Organizational Structure Simulation Analysis Essay Example
Organizational Structure Simulation Analysis Essay Example

Organizational Structure Simulation Analysis Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (463 words)
  • Published: July 15, 2017
  • Type: Analysis
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The introduction of change often leads to perceptions of ambiguity and insecurity, resulting in feelings of anxiety and fear. These emotions are the underlying factors that contribute to resistance within organizations when change is implemented. Most changes within an organization encompass both technical and social aspects. According to Lewin's conceptualization, the change process consists of three phases: unfreezing, moving, and refreezing. Unfreezing involves behaviors that increase the receptivity of the client system towards potential changes in the distribution and balance of social forces. Moving refers to altering the magnitude, direction, or number of driving and resisting forces, ultimately shifting the equilibrium to a new level. Refreezing entails reinforcing the new distribution of forces to maintain and stabilize the new social equilibrium (Zand, Dale E. & Sorensen, Richard E.).

Drivers of change can be categorized i

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nto internal and external factors. Internal drivers include a lack of trained personnel, specifically in this case where the company lacked employees with networking solution expertise needed to expand their networking business to generate 80% of total revenue within twelve months. Another internal driver is a lack of innovation. The organization had a majority of low-skilled workers who excelled at integrating systems, with only a few skilled workers capable of networking. Despite being a 300-person firm, minimal effort was invested in research and development (R). Finally, an executive order from the CEO mandated a change in the company's business model based on external influences and indicators.

External Drivers of Change

  1. Increase in customer orders for new technology. Orders have been obtained for a 1.2 million dollar network-related project, while another 5 million dollars in orders are on the way fo

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network projects.

  • Increased competition in the existing core business. System integration is a low-margin business with many companies on the playing field.
  • Skilled employees are being lured to work for competitors. Competition is increasing, as is the need for skilled workers.
  • Factors Related to Successful Implementation

    Successful implementation, in this case, is defined as:

    1. Grow revenue to $12 Million in the next year
    2. Convert network solutions from 20% to 80% of total revenue.
    3. Increase overall productivity by four percent overall.
    4. Reduce absenteeism by two percent overall

    The factors related to the successful implementation of the new organizational structure are:

    1. Increase the number of skilled networking personnel to enable the networking business growth demanded by the CEO.
    2. Improve internal communications between personnel, management, and teams.
    3. Re-structure the organizational hierarchy such that project leaders manage the personnel, not department managers.
    4. Develop a pool of employees that can be pulled into projects based upon skill levels.
    5. The text describes a social drama that consists of four stages: breach, crisis, redress, and reintegration (McFarland, D.). There are two forms of resistance: passive and active. Passive resistance involves subtly subverting the normative codes and expressing dissatisfaction and critique. On the other hand, active resistance openly undermines the normative codes and aims to establish a new

    framework of interaction (McFarland, D.). In the following paragraphs, five scenarios of both passive and active resistance are presented.

    Fear of the unknown

    The fear of the unknown arises from the discomfort caused by change. When someone is unsure about what might happen, they tend to feel nervous. One way to reduce this nervousness is by resisting change.

    Fear of Failure

    People may resist trying a new approach because they fear that the skills and abilities required may be beyond their capabilities. They are familiar with operating in the existing order and are afraid they won't be able to adapt to the new skills and behavior needed. They may also disagree with the need for change, viewing the new direction as the wrong one, and therefore, not willingly follow new procedures.

    Lack of Inertia

    Implementing change requires effort from all areas of the company.

    Certain employees may be unwilling to expend their energy on a change they see as un-needed.

    Lack of Trust

    Employees may not understand the implications of the change and perceive that it might cost them much more than they gain. This can happen when trust is lacking between the person initiating the change and the employees.

    Influence of Leadership Style on Effectiveness

    The style of leadership utilized when implementing an organizational change will have a great impact on the effectiveness of the implementation. The style used must fit with the culture of the organization. As the organizational culture gradually morphs while change is being implemented, it would be wise to re-evaluate the leadership style used.

    If a traditional accounting office tried to use the 4D appreciative inquiry method

    to initiate change, it would most likely fail because the employees are not used to being involved in decision-making. On the other hand, a whole system change would not be effective in a small software development company like Pyra Labs (the creators of Blogger) since it was founded by friends who shared a passion for the product.

    Lessons Learned ; Applications

    During this assignment, I have gained insight into why people may be reluctant or resistant to change. As someone who often implements change in my organization, I have encountered resistance in various forms such as passive protest (ignoring the change) or even physical aggression. Completing this assignment has given me a better understanding of the reasons behind resistance and how to address people's concerns before implementing changes. When you have the right people with the right knowledge in the right roles, implementing change can be surprisingly straightforward.

    Despite the complexity of the change and solution, the presence of knowledgeable individuals with effective communication skills can make it seem straightforward. Although this may oversimplify the matter, I firmly believe that the involvement of human beings remains the most crucial aspect in determining the success or failure of businesses.

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