Change Management

Seminar paper from the year 2006 in the subject Business economics - Business Management, Corporate Governance, grade: 1,3, University of Hull, language: English, abstract: Charles Darwin's 'The survival of the fittest' describes that only the life form can survive, which is able to adapt permanently to changing environmental conditions. Darwin's theory is quite transferable to the economic system, because processes of change take place on all levels of economic life. Therefore organisations must undergo a constant adjustment and change process in order to react fast and flexible to market changes and thus to survive. This report is concerned with the role of Change Management (CM) and points at the way ofa su ccessful implementation in a business. In this connection it is important to keep in mind that each reorganisation is a singular project, which needs to be adapted to the specific situation and characteristics of the employees. In addition successful change management causes exceedingly the personal commitment of the executives, who must be also willing to change and give up old ways of procedures and thinking. Following this introduction various drivers to change are characterised. Next a literature review with definitions to the topic of Change Management is presented. Described in chapter three is the concept of Change Management more in detail with organisation as well as applications and instruments. Here the emphasis is on the implementation process and its effect on the employees concerned by the change. Thereby the basic principles and requirements of Change Management are demonstrated. Subsequently, we take a look in the practice, whereby the meaning of Change Management is analysed on the basis of a recent study. In a next step appropriate Instruments of Change Management are represented followed by three theoretical approaches to Cultural Change. A critical review regarding strengths and weaknesses as well as an outlook will conclude this report.