Discussion Questions on Change Management - Essay Example

The planned change management approaches include the organization management approach, the change management approach, the contingency approach and the processual approach (Cummings & Worley, 2009). Organizational change management therefore depends on the type of type of approach or model that organization chooses to use. There has been intense debate concerning the use of organizational development and processual approaches. Processual approach to change management as advocated for in the journal views change as an ongoing process that should be done within a period.

Processual approach gives top managers of organization the role of initiating and influencing change management processes in their respective settings. Organizational development as an approach to change management relies extensively on soft factors in order to achieve transformation. The problem with soft factors in change management is that they are unable directly influence various change management programs that are initiated in organizations. Although organization development approach advocates for the use of soft factors such as visionary leadership, culture, and motivation in organizational change management, they cannot successfully contribute to the implementation of transformation projects or changes in organizations.

Unlike organizational development approaches, processual approaches rely on hard factors of change management. These factors can be directly and indirectly be measured by organizations, can be externally and internally communicated in organizations and they are capable of influencing change management in organizations in quick and efficient ways (Sirkin, Keenan, & Jackson, 2005). Role of Vision Vision is important in change management process as it focuses the change management process and effort towards one goal.

Creation and developing change management vision is also significant as it identifies strategies and ways for the achievement of the desired organization changes. In most cases, the vision usually shows clearly how the achievement of the outlined changes will improve or benefit the organization. Vision can inspire, motivate, and engage people in organization towards the realization of change management goals (Dobbs & Walker, 2010). Vision is also significant to sustainability of organization changes since it directs people in organizations towards a shared vision by creating meaning and identity (Sirkin, Keenan, & Jackson, 2005).

Effective Communication Communication enables messages to be generated, interpreted between people within the organization thus it links people, and create relationships. In processual approach, effective communication is crucial and should be an integral part of the whole process. Effective communication is required during change management process since it is the mode at which new behaviours and ideas can be imparted to employees (Sirkin, Keenan, & Jackson, 2005). During change management process in organizations, top management often communicate the vision with a view to influence and empower employees to work towards the achievement of the new vision through open communication strategy.

Business leaders and top managers in organization usually use effective and continuous communication strategies to drive home the need for change in their organizations (Cushman & King, 2005). One-on-one conversations between to managers and other employees concerning the need for organizational change is an