Coping with Change at the Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Coping with Change at the Workplace - Essay Example Some of the different kinds of changes that characterize most professional organizations are changes in systems, processes, and people. Resistance is a natural by-product of change and it is important to understand the various causes of resistance so as to be able to cope with it and overcome it effectively. The actual process of managing change can be divided into three phases: unfreezing change, and refreezing. First, one needs to accept the need for change and also have a desire to bring about the change. In the second phase, the actual implementation of the change can take place. In the final phase, review and reinforcement of the change takes place.Any business is characterized by change. In the course of a professional career, an individual is likely to encounter change very often. In some instances, individuals may also be called upon to predict the occurrence of change and initiate steps to deal with it. Individuals who are change-oriented are likely to gain professional succ ess and a competitive edge over their competitors. Thus a person's success at the workplace is often tied to his or her readiness to act as an agent of change.This report begins by detailing out the various kinds of change that an individual is likely to face in an organization. Resistance is an inevitable aspect of change and therefore the next section of the report highlights the reasons behind resistance to change and the steps that can be taken to overcome it. Having detailed out the types of change and the barriers to change, the next section of the report logically deals with out how change can be dealt with systematically and effectively. Understanding the Kinds of Change Change in any organization is generally triggered by certain key business drivers. So, to start with, it is important to understand the different kinds of change that one is likely to face in an organization. Some of the kinds of changes that an individual is likely to encounter are: Changes in systems Changes in processes Changes in people These different kinds of change have been detailed out below along with examples of each kind. Change in systems: This kind of change generally signals a modification in technology or products. It includes "enhancements to an existing product or the development of completely new systems" (Bal 115). A change in systems is generally made in an attempt to ensure that the "right kind of technology, systems, and machinery are in place to meet the needs of customers" (Ibid). Change in processes: This kind of change entails the way in which an organization operates to meet the needs of its customers. Here the various processes involved in getting products or services to customers are critically examined and changes are initiated to add value to every step of the process. Internal processes are aligned with the needs of customers so that there is a dramatic improvement in the overall efficiency of the organization. Process changes include both people and technology so that products are delivered more effectively and efficiently to customers. Change in people: Change in people can refer to any number of things. It may refer to a change in the management of a company as may happen in the case of mergers and acquisitions. It can also refer to providing "technical training to ensure changes in systems can be managed by operators" (Bal 115). People are the driving forces that dictate the success of an organization. While systems and processes may provide "incremental change" (Bal 116), a motivated and efficient workforce can bring about "sustained improvement" (Ibid). While processes and technologies may become obsolete after a period of