Managers and the Process of Change

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Managers and the Process of Change

The desperate call-to-arms, "Change or Die"— which can be heard echoing down the corridors of businesses everywhere — is evidence that leaders have recognised the need to change. Managers know that companies must be fast, flexible, responsive, resilient, and creative to survive. Most also know that current mind-sets, techniques, and tools are ineffective for creating such an organisation. These people are displaying the talents required to successfully negotiate change. They are aware of the limitations around or within themselves and are willing to learn the necessary skills required to succeed as change managers.

Change is the process of moving from one state to another. Just as moving house requires the massive packing of furniture and other items, change requires just as much preparations to be successful.

Most people do not like change, they like things to remain the same. Changes require more effort to adapt. It threatens stability and security and people fear that they will not be able to cope. Resistance is the natural defence to such perceived threats.
A good manager has to be able to work with and overcome resistance he/she must be able to control the whole process of change. With this in mind, I have considered the role of the manager, what his/her function is and what skills are required to enable him/her to be a successful change manager.

Function of Managers
Fayol (1908) identified the functions of the manager as:

1. Setting objectives
2. Organisation
3. Motivation
4. Control or measurement
5. Co-ordination

These functions are as true today as they were then, but I consider communication as the key to them. It is the essential function in successful change management. Drucke...

... middle of paper ...

... Herts. Prentice Hall.

Clegg et al. Palmer, G. ed. 1996. The Politics of Management Knoelwdge London. Sage Publications.

Dawson, P. (1994). Organisational Change – A Processual Approach Newcastle upon Tyne. Athenaeum Press Ltd.

Dove, R. Essay #051.3/99 in Automotive Manufacturing & Production, Gardner Publications, Revised 5/99.

Dove, R. Essay #058. Paradigm Shift International - Originally Published 10/99 @ www.parshift.com

Fayol, H. (1949). General and Industrial Management, London. Pitman.

Hitler and His Henchmen 1999, The History Channel.

Kotter, J.P. & Heskett, J.L. 1992. Corporate Culture and Performance. London. Pitman.

Schneider, B. Leadership at the Edge of Chaos. Strategy & Leadership Magazine, Sept. 1997.

Stewart, R. 1986. The Reality of Management. London. Pan Books.

Vaill, P. The Quantum Organisation. Business Week online. Accessed 03/04/2000

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