Change Management

Change Management happens when large organizations or Corporations start initiating significant changes to operational processes that includes both the work culture and work tasks. 

A standard definition of Change Management is when a set of processes is employed to make sure that major or significant changes are implemented in a controlled and systematic way to carry forward organizational change.  The purpose or goal of Change Management is to overcome resistance to change by employees at all levels, so that everyone in the organization accepts and understands the change to achieve organizational goal for effective transformation and growth.

The ADKAR Model: Though Change Management is evolving over a period of time, the ADKAR model has had a major influence in Change Management.  Prosci had developed the ADKAR model with five specific steps that must be followed for an organization or an individual to successfully change for better performance.  These are:-

Awareness: An organization or anyone must realize why a specific change or a series of changes are needed to be made in the organization and work culture.

Desire: Both the organization and individual should have motivation and desire to be part of the change or changes and should be willing to participate fully.

Knowledge: It is not enough to know why one needs to change; the organization or an individual needs to realize how to change.

Ability: An organization or individual wanting to change truly, must exhibit the talent to implement new skills and behavior to make the change happen.

Reinforcement: Organizations and individuals must reinforce themselves to `sustain` any change for a newer behavior pattern, so that `change` succeeds.  Otherwise, both the organization and the individual will revert back to the old habits and behavior.

Organizational Change Management:   Changes must take place in a structured approach so that the transition is smooth.

Management in Organization Change: Despite the change being good to the organization, in many levels including technology, employee behavior, work processes, etc, there could be some resistance at various levels.  The management must support workers through these change processes.  It is for the management to help employees accept the change to become well adjusted and effective.

The Importance of Acceptance:  The organization and individuals need to `accept` or `buy in` the change  whole-heartedly and make necessary modifications in their behavior.  The buy-in or acceptance is made easy if the management first explains the change and the reasons for the change and communicates the benefits both to the individuals and the organization.

Questions: 

• Describe what change management is.
• Describe the various steps involved in ADKAR model.