 | Large organizational change has always been difficult to implement however, by understanding the psychology of change management, corporations stand a better change in implementing the change successfully. |
To implement change in an organzation, you must remember that you are not only asking people to change how they behave at work but also how they think about work. This change in mind-set is sometimes the only way to improve a company's performance.
Psychologist in the field of child and adult development have made important discoveries about what conditions need to be met before individuals will change their behavior. These are: 1. Individuals must understand and agree with the need to change 2. The surrounding structures must then be in line with the new behavior - that is the reward and recognition system 3. Individuals must see their colleagues that they admire modeling this new behavior 4. Individuals must have the skills that are required of them to complete this change or new behavior. Psychologists have found that applying simply one of the above conditions will not have a positive impact however applying all four together greatly increases the chances of bringing about lasting changes in the mind sets and behaviors of individuals. This change in an organzation has a direct correlation with that organization achieving sustained improvements in business performance. Take for instance Kraft and their pursuit of long term sustainable packaging. Kraft recognized that their committment to change would not only focus on the weight of the package or the increased recyclable content but that it would have to begin with a mind set of change. As Roger Zellner, director-Sustainability Global Technology & Quality, Kraft Foods stated, “Internal culture change is critically important....Organizations can only achieve sustainable practices when economic, social, and environmental considerations are fully understood, balanced, and backed by corporate leadership.” Hence, true change must begin at the top of an organization with the commitment for long term change and then trickle down to all employees. Is your corporation ready for a change? |
