Business Administration-organisation part 2

This week we focused on change management and organisational conflict. Before change takes place in an organisation, a firm can undertake surveys. t-groups, team building or grid training to enable employees to understand why change is taking place in the organisation.  The culture of an organisation can play an important part in ensuring that change takes place in the organisation.  Some organisations have a culture that embrace and accept change.Another important factor is the organisational climate-is conflict openly discussed? Are employees treated fairly regardless of their gender, age etc. Are employees needs recognised? For  change to take place it is essential that management are proactive and have the most up to date information and knowledge in regards to the forthcoming change. 

With change conflict may also occur. Conflict may arise for a number of reasons which include:

• Differences of opinion
• Limited resources
• Departmentalisation and specialisation
• Organisation of work activities
• Role conflict
• Organisational structure
• Communications and leadership style
• Inequitable treatment of an individual

There are positive and negative effects of conflict.  The following are some of the positive effects of conflict:

• There is a chance to clear the air
• Individuals negotiation skills can be tested.
• In some cases it can result in better ideas

Negative effects of conflict

• Essential resources may be wasted
• It may promote mistrust in the organisation
• Conflict may lead to high labour turnover in the organisation

How should a company introduce change in the organisation?  The first stage is referred to as Unfreezing-this is where the organisation recognises that there is a need for change in the organisation.  The second stage refers to movement.  This stage involves getting employees to accept changge and to embrace it in the organisation. The last stage is re-freezing which stabilises change.  The company's current policies and procedures will have to be updated to allow for changes made in the organisation. At this stage the effect of the change some be monitored. 

p stabilisation, the assessment of consequences and learning from the process