Change and the Social System

Change - An alteration, a shift - Occurs daily - It is not final - It is difficult

The two main forces effecting change in an organization: 1. External force Behavior in marketplace - Laws and regulations - Technology 2. Internal force Power structure or organizational arrangement - People

Change : A Continuum and a Process - Each action produces a reaction - Each change produces a different behavior on affected individuals

- Develop several change interventions to achieve the desired pattern of behavior

 Homeostasis - Self correcting mechanism

wherein people establish a steady state of need fulfilment and secure themselves from the disturbance of that balance.

Change can alter:

Cultural values Personal values Attitudes Feelings of the individuals within work
environment

Each changed situation is interpreted by an individual according to his attitudes

Personal history Background Social experiences away from work Work environment

Factors causing social change

A. physical environment B. population C. ideas D. cultural innovations E. technology

Sources of resistance to change

Applies to:

Employers Managers Employees

Types of resistance to change

Psychological or personal
Economic Social

Reducing resistance to change

Use a change agent Steps in addressing change: Determine the scope of the problem Develop alternatives - brain storming

 Analyze alternatives Select an alternative Implement change Monitor implemented strategy

A change model by: Kurt Lewin

Stages:

Unfreezing Change Refreezing