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Organizational change and transformation - TYPESANDFORMSOFORGANIZATIONALCHANGE

Q: Lewin’s force-field theory of change

Force field theory : A theory of organizational change that argues that two sets of opposing forces within an organization determine how change will take place. To get an organization to change, managers must find a way to increase the forces for change, reduce resistance to change, or do both simultaneously.

Q: Developments in evolutionary change:

Sociotechnical systems theory A theory that proposes the importance of changing role and task or technical relationships to increase organizational effectiveness. Total quality management A technique developed by W. Edwards Deming to continuously improve the effectiveness of flexible work teams. Quality circles : Groups of workers who met regularly to discuss the way work is performed in order to find new ways to increase performance. Flexible workers and flexible work teams A group of workers who assume responsibility for performing all the operations necessary for completing a specified stage in the manufacturing process.

4 important questions on Organizational change and transformation - TYPESANDFORMSOFORGANIZATIONALCHANGE

Lewin’s force-field theory of change

Force field theory: A theory of organizational change that argues that two sets of opposing forces within an organization determine how change will take place.

To get an organization to change, managers must find a way to increase the forces for change, reduce resistance to change, or do both simultaneously.

Developments in evolutionary change:

Sociotechnical systems theory

A theory that proposes the importance of changing role and task or technical relationships to increase organizational effectiveness.

Total quality management

A technique developed by W. Edwards Deming to continuously improve the effectiveness of flexible work teams.
Quality circles: Groups of workers who met regularly to discuss the way work is performed in order to find new ways to increase performance.

Flexible workers and flexible work teams

A group of workers who assume responsibility for performing all the operations necessary for completing a specified stage in the manufacturing process.

OD techniques to deal with resistance to change Tactics that mangers can use to reduce resistance to change:

- Education and communication
- Participation and empowerment
- Facilitation
- Bargaining and negotiation
- Manipulation
- Coercion

OD techniques to promote change

Many OD techniques are designed to make changes and to refreeze them. These techniques can be used at the individual, group and organization levels. The choice of techniques is determined by the type of change. In general, the more revolutionary a change is, the more likely is an organization to use OD techniques at all three levels.

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Organizational Theory & design

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