Organization behavior can impact how readily employees adapt to change.
While there are those who would say that employees hate change, the fact of the matter is that even significant change can be accepted by employees if they understand the reason for the change and, most importantly, if they are involved in the decisions about the issues that will impact them. Organization behavior can have a significant impact on how well employees and the workforce at large adapts to any change initiative and, as with many organizational issues, it starts at the top.
The Business Case for Change
All organizations go through change. Even companies that have been around for decades must change and adapt to changing environmental conditions. Business leaders who are able to communicate the business case for change to their organizations can help employees -- from senior leaders down to line staff -- understand the drivers (whether new technology, changing customer needs and preferences or emerging competitors) behind the change . Understanding the need for change can help employees take a more proactive approach to the things they may need to do differently.
Role Models
Business leaders must serve as positive role models during any change initiative. The common phase "walking the talk" refers to management's ability to demonstrate through both their words and actions their support of any change initiative. Employees will be watching the actions of their leaders. If leaders appear frustrated or resistant to a change effort, employees are likely to emulate their feelings. Leaders who recognize their important roles as models of desired behaviors during a change initiative can improve the odds that the change will proceed smoothly.
Opportunity for Two-Way Communication
When a vacuum exists in terms of communication, employees will fill the void. What they fill the void with may represent rumor, speculation and misinformation that can lead to unnecessary concerns and low morale and productivity. By establishing formal and informal communication channels to share information, and actively seeking input and feedback from employees, organizations can establish a climate of openness that can dispel rumors and ease employee anxiety during difficult times.
Honesty
When employers communicate with employees honestly about their business situation, future prospects and financial concerns, even when the information may be negative or concerning, a level of trust is established that has a positive impact on change. Employees have many sources of information from external sources that make them well aware of the economic, political and competitive issues that affect the organizations where they work. Attempting to sugar-coat reality, only sharing information selectively or, worse, sharing inaccurate information will erode trust and lead to dissatisfaction, low morale and employee turnover.
Tags: change initiative, actions their, Business leaders, during change, during change initiative, fill void