Managing Change in Tesco: A Study of Responding to the Changing Business Environment

This report evaluates the ways in which Tesco responds and manages in the changing business environment. The study uses qualitative analysis and surveys 30 managers. The report highlights the factors that impact the firm and how it responds to change.

Applied Research Project

ABSTRACT
The report is being commissioned to evaluate the ways in which the organization
respond and manage in the changing business environment. The study was being undertaken
in Tesco, one of the leading supermarket chains of UK. Qualitative analysis was used
wherein the data was accumulated by performing the survey of 30 managers working in
Tesco. The data evaluation was being performed with the support of the thematic evaluation.
According to the outcomes of the study, it could be stated that the company has effectively
responded and managed the changing business environment along with the change
management process.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
It is my immense pleasure to complete my research project with the help of my
supervisor, family members and friends. Without their support, I was not able to carry out
this task effectively. A special thanks to my lecturer who guided me about the correct path
and offered enormous support throughout thus project

CONTENTS
CHAPTER – 1: SPECIFICATION AND DEFINITION OF THE PROJECT..........................1
Research title..........................................................................................................................1
Abstract...................................................................................................................................1
Background of the study.........................................................................................................1
Rationale of the study.............................................................................................................2
Overview of the organization.................................................................................................2
Research Aim and Objectives................................................................................................2
Research questions.................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER – 2: LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................4
Overview of the chapter.........................................................................................................4
Change and change management...........................................................................................4
Prioritizing organizational change..........................................................................................5
Factors influencing the organization in the event of change..................................................5
Responding to the change.......................................................................................................8
CHAPTER – 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY....................................................................9
Overview of the chapter.........................................................................................................9
Research design......................................................................................................................9
Research approach..................................................................................................................9
Research philosophies..........................................................................................................10
Data collection methods.......................................................................................................10
Data analysis methods..........................................................................................................11
Sampling techniques.............................................................................................................11
Ethical issues........................................................................................................................11
Reliability and validity of the study.....................................................................................11
CHPATER – 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION.....................................................13
Overview of the chapter.......................................................................................................13
Presentation of the results from the secondary analysis.......................................................13
Discussion.............................................................................................................................17
CHAPTER – 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS..........................................19
Conclusion............................................................................................................................19
Recommendations................................................................................................................20
REFERENCES.........................................................................................................................23
APPENDIX..............................................................................................................................26
Questionnaire........................................................................................................................26

CHAPTER – 1: SPECIFICATION AND DEFINITION OF THE
PROJECT
Research title
The main title of the current research is “Explanation to the Changing Business
Environment”.
Abstract
The main aim of the current research report is to evaluate the ways in which the
organization respond and manage in the changing business environment – a study of Tesco.
The report will be going to evaluate the factors that impacts the firm in the event of changing
business environment and will also highlight the ways in which the organization respond to
the same. For the purpose of completing the above aim and objectives, different research
methodologies will be selected such as inductive approach, qualitative research strategy and
interpretivism research philosophy. Both primary as well as secondary data will be collected.
Primary data will be gathered through conducting a survey of employees working in Tesco
with the help of questionnaire. Secondary data will be collected through exploration of
different journals, articles, books and scholarly papers. Other than this, the collected
information will be analysed through qualitative analysis technique wherein thematic analysis
will be utilized. The key findings of the study will be presented in the form of common
themes and results will be discussed effectively. the final section of the report will include
conclusion and recommendations for improvement.
Background of the study
Talking about change, it is not a novel phenomenon. From generations, the world is
changing at an enormous pace. Management of business in such kind of situations become
more challenging. This is due to the fact that the issues and problems of today are quite
different from the issues and problems of yesterday. The solutions also have to be considered
accordingly. There have been significant changes in the management practices as well. The
market has changed because of strong competition, globalization, technological development
along with the customer driven market (Bordia and et.al., 2017). For increasing the capability
to change, there is a need to increase the change competence. The firm is also required to
adopt the right strategy to respond and manage change that matches the organization and the
experience of the members of change process.
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Rationale of the study
The order of the day is the ever-changing business environment. Further, the speed of
modification is also increasing and the waves of modification are coming from different
directions. In such kind of a condition, it becomes quite difficult on the part of the companies
to operate and run their operations successfully. They are required to respond to these
changes by reinventing their manners of running and operating business (Al-Haddad, 2015).
Considering this, the current research project is being focused on understanding and
evaluating the ways in which the organization respond and manage in the changing business
environment. For the purpose of achieving success and growth in this dynamic and globalized
business environment, it is crucial that the firm should analyse the factors that might impact
their operations so that change management can be done effectively.
Overview of the organization
Speaking about Tesco, it is one of the leading supermarket and retail firm of United
Kingdom. The firm is involved into the business of retailing and different related activities
such as retail banking, insurance services, financial services and retail. The industry in which
the Tesco functions is very competitive because of the presence of different large companies
operating in the same sector and business (Tesco, 2022). The company has gradually attained
success and growth with the adoption of effective strategies and approaches. The target
market of Tesco is the middle-income group along with the young children. Other than this,
the company also offers employment opportunities to thousands of people across UK and has
its presence in almost every part of the world.
Research Aim and Objectives
Aim
The main aim of the current research report is “To evaluate the ways in which the
organization respond and manage in the changing business environment – a study of Tesco”.
Objectives
For the fulfilment of the above defined aim, there will be requirement of certain small
objectives and these are as follows:
 To determine as well as prioritize organizational changes that supports in positive
business environmental factors and trends
 To analyse the factors that influence the organization at the event of change
 To illustrate the ways in which the organization can responds to change
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 To evaluate the role of management in responding to a changing business
environment
Research questions
For the completion of the research project, some questions which will be answered in
the current research project and these are:
 How prioritizing the organizational changes can support in positive business
environmental factors and trends?
 What are some of the factors that influence the organization at the event of change?
 How ways organization can respond to change?
 What is the role of management in responding to a changing business environment?
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CHAPTER – 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Overview of the chapter
Articulating in relation with the literature review section of the study, it is being
regarded as one of the most crucial sections as it helps in outlining the basic written works
and compositions relevant for the research project. in addition to this, this is also a crucial
section which offers a smooth evolution of conversation of what studies have found out
proactively in relation with the chosen topic and what is being recognized and what is not
recognized from the selected area of research.
Change and change management
It is very usual articulated perspective that change is the only permanent thing in life.
Studies have reflected that change is most of the time resisted because of different reasons.
According to Askenas (2016), the world in which all live is continuously evolving and is also
not static. Change is thus, pertinent to the needed progress which leads to the growth and
success of the companies. Christe‐Zeyse and Van (2017) have explained change as a transit
verb to make something different in some specific. Further, as per (), change encompasses
different things such as becoming different, undergoing transformation, transition,
modification, different position and course of action.
According to Burnes and Oswick (2014), for management of change, it is important
on the part of the organizations to have much planning prior executing and encompassing
different stakeholder so that the transition can takes place smoothly. In addition to this, as per
Mee-Yan and Holbeche (2015) change management is nothing but to offer support to the
firms in modifying or changing their existing manners of running into a new way, however,
meanwhile keeping the emphasis on the business strategy of the firm. Usually, change is not
welcomed and accepted by the workers in the workplace because they desire to keep things
the way it used to be and thus, interaction with the stakeholders is being regarded as an
important element particularly the workers because they will be utilized the spaces the most.
In doing this, the organization should pass on right information about the reason behind the
changes taking place in the firm.
Furthermore, as defined by Hayes (2018), one of the most crucial things of leadership
is to lead the firm through changes, for successful change in the business corporations,
effective leadership have an important role to play. Moreover, the top management are
generally the ones that helps in guiding the key alteration in the firm. In other sense, it can be
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said that they are being considered as crucial when big and important changes are executed in
the firm and should not needs to be ignored. According to Herold and Fedor (2018), each and
every organization experience change situation once in their lifetime. Change is relevant to
progress and needs a systematic procedure of management. This is the main reason behind
the ascription of a place for the field of management in the current study. Therefore, change
management in the organization is being described as an important process by which the
firms conceptualized, execute and evaluates the change efforts, response and the anticipated
outcomes.
Prioritizing organizational change
According to Weiner (2020), change management within an organization is being
referred to any and everything being done by the management team of the companies for
preparing as well as supporting the firm during the time great disruption as well as upheaval.
In other words, it is everything being put in place by the organization for helping the people
to success this process. According to Whelan-Berry and Somerville (2017), a systematic
approach to both the organizational as well as human sides of change is the best bet for the
management of transitions devoid of disruption the business and making the employees of the
company dissatisfied and sad. The process of approval essential for a change can majorly be
dependent on the criteria of decision which if unique for each and every firm.
As per Haque, TitiAmayah and Liu (2016), the decision criteria are being relied on
cost, requirement of the business, priority and many other factors. One of the most common
and usual method of prioritizing change is through consideration of the influence as well as
urgency. Impact or influence analyses the impact of proposed change on the business.
Furthermore, it also accounts for possibly destructive significances resulting from the
unsuccessful implementation of a change which are taken int account earlier. The ranking
might range from minor influence to extensive influence. On the other hand, the urgency
analyses the essential time for a change for realizing the influence. A change that necessitates
quick execution or one that must be started early to account for protracted execution duration
is graded with high urgency (Bowles and Scull, 2018). This position might range from low
urgency to high urgency.
Factors influencing the organization in the event of change
In an organization is being impacted by different internal as well as external factors.
Most of the time, the internal factors impacting the change in the firms are being aimed at
development of external modifications. some of the internal changes that might impact the
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change within the organization are lower level of productivity, high amount of absenteeism,
increased turnover, leadership and union activities. Uhl and Gollenia 2016), have conversed
in relation with the productivity that sometimes because of lower level of production, firms
are not able to accomplish their pre-determined goals and earn good profit margin to operate
the business smoothly. This calls for some changes in the system and strategies of the
company. Further, due to high level of absenteeism and turnover of the employees, the firms
are compelled to identify the reason behind these and implement changed effective retention
and engagement strategies. On the other hand, according to Iljins, Skvarciany and Gaile-
Sarkane (2015), sometimes due to presence of ineffective leaders and his leadership style, the
organization needs to change for improving the performance of the workers and overall
productivity. All the above defined factors are even though being highlighted as an internal
factor are inter-related with the external factors as they are most of time being designed for
dealing with the external factors like, competition, responding to the changing demands of
the market, alteration in the technology, changes in the policies of the government and
societal pressure. These factors can better be explained by application of PESTLE analysis
framework. There are different external factors which impacts and influences the functioning
of the organization (Burke and Litwin, 2018). Any changes in all these factors can
significantly necessitates the organization to make changes. At the event of change, these are
the factors that might impact the firm:
Political factors
The political forces and factors within as well as outside of the nation have a
significant amount of impact on the large business corporations. Specifically, the translational
corporations, the association amid the government as well as business houses has become
quite complex in the current period of time. There are different laws which have been passed
for regulating the transactions of the corporate sector. Further, the organizations do not have
any control in the political and legal forces, however they are required to make changes for
meeting the pressure of this force (Bouma and Ebrom, 2017).
Economic factor
As each and every organization exports their output to the environment, the
corporations have to come across with intense competition in the market in which they
operate. According to Butt, Nawab and Zahid (2018), there are mainly two kinds of forces
that might influence the competitive position of the firm that is firstly, other firms supplying
similar kind of products and buyers who are purchasing the product. Any form of alteration in
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these forces might need appropriate alteration in the firm. In addition to this, rate of interest,
inflation and employment levels, also impacts the change process within the company. If the
economic condition of a particular nation is not pretty well, then change needs to be planned
accordingly.
Social factor
The social changes reflect in relation with aspiration of the people, their requirements
and the manners of operating and working. There are many social changes that have taken
place due to different factors such as level of education, feeling of autonomy along with the
international influence because of the novel sources of data. All these changes in the
community impacts the behaviour of people in the organization. when firms implement
change within their system and strategies, these societal changes and behaviour of people
might act as a resistant factor. Considering the, social norms and changes, the working and
operation of the organization needs to be adapted so that it matches with the people (O’Flynn
and Ugyel, 2013).
Technological factor
Talking in relation with the technological changes in the environment of the
organization in which operates, any change in the technologies in the market and other
companies adopting technological innovation, compels and forces the firm in focus to make
changes in their strategies. Technological advancement implemented by the other companies
weakens the competitive position as well as cost effectiveness of the new technology
(Holtström, 2021). Therefore, it becomes important on the part of firms to adopt and
implement new technology which might impact their work structure and demand
establishment of new equilibrium.
Legal factor
There are different laws, regulations and laws that needs to be considered by the
companies for effective and smooth flow of activities. any alteration in these legislations
forces the companies to adapt their functioning. At the event of change in the organization,
legal factors are considered as an important element that should be considered because it can
impact the overall process of change within the firm (Shah, Irani and Sharif, 2016).
Environmental factors
Last but not the least, environmental factors also impact the organization at the event
of change. The variables in relation with the physical environment such as climate of the
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earth, typographical factors, availability of resources, energy, health of the consumers,
pandemic etc. all have a direct impact on the change event of the organization. these factors
can influence the willingness of the people to make purchase of the products, resource
availability and efficiency of the employees (Siders, 2019).
Responding to the change
It is quite evident that there are conflicting manners to understand and consider
change and efforts of change in practice does not neatly fall into one strategy or the other.
According to Mdletye, Coetzee and Ukpere 2014), one of the most logical manners would be
to completely determine the range of approaches that the firms and leaders can adopt when
executing and responding to change. It is authoritative to reflect on a particular agenda for
completely comprehending varied approaches to change. As per Hoover and Harder (2015),
there are four important approaches that can be adopted by the organizations for responding
to the changes taking place that is self-assembly, directive, emergent and master. However, it
is crucial to mention here that there is no single change process that ever falls into just one
approach. Thus, varied kind of methods might be required in varies sub-section of the
organizations. On the other hand, according to Armenakis and Harris (2015), there are other
five approaches that brings about changes that is emergence, people, addressing interest,
learning and design. moving further, as per Abrell-Vogel and Rowold (2014), the main focus
should be given on behavioural approaches at the time of responding towards the chance. The
author has focused on the ways in which one individual can alter the behaviour of another
individual through making use of rewards as well as punishments for attaining the desired
outcomes. Further, he has defined the cognitive approach whereby the individual is required
to view at the manners in which they limit themselves by adhering to the outmoded manners
of thinking as well as replacing that with the new manners of being (Appelbaum and et.al.,
2015).
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CHAPTER – 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Overview of the chapter
After analysing the current literatures concerning to the related topic, it is now
important to comprehend in regards with the research methodologies for the current research
work. This section possesses great significance as it supports in sustenance of basic
examination. In addition to this, this chapter is the main section in the whole work which
encompasses the types of techniques and strategies being utilized by the researcher for
completing as well as directing the whole thesis work. Thus, the subsequent chapter will
encompass details regarding research design, research approaches, philosophies, sampling
strategies, data collection and data analysis methods, ethical issues and reliability as well as
validity of the study.
Research design
Speaking in volume in relation with the research design, it is being referred as the
framework of market research techniques as well as methods which are being selected by the
researcher. The design being selected by the researchers enables them to make use of the
methods which are applicable for the study and for setting up their studies effectively. there
are varied types of research design that is experimental studies, qualitative, quantitative,
mixed and many other correlational studies (Creswell, 2015). As far as the current research
work is being concerned, the researcher has utilized qualitative research design and this is
because qualitative data can be obtained without much difficulty through exploration of
different sources and data in relation with the real-life experience can also be obtained
effectively. Other than this, qualitative research design is normally related with procuring of
non-numerical for conducting theoretical study.
Research approach
Research approach in any research work is nothing but the plan along with the
procedures for conducting the overall study. There are generally two kind of research
approaches that is inductive approach and the other one is deductive approach. Focusing in
relation with the inductive approach, it generally encompasses development of the research
questions along with the objectives. Such kind of approach is mainly utilized in case of
subjective or qualitative evaluation (Graziano and Raulin, 2016). On the other hand,
deductive research approach encompasses development of hypothesis. Furthermore, it is quite
appropriate for the studies encompassing quantitative as well as numerical data. In regards
9

with the current research work, the researcher has used inductive research approach. This is
because of the fact that the research design being chosen for the study is qualitative and it
also comprises subjective analysis of ways in which the organization respond and manage in
the changing business environment.
Research philosophies
Throwing light in relation with the research philosophies, it is defined as the ways in
which the information in concerned with the phenomenon is being accumulated, analysed as
well as utilized in the research work. In other words, it is the action plan in regards with the
manners by which the research will be carried out by the investigator effectively. Research
philosophies are of two types that is interpretivism philosophy and positivism philosophy.
Focusing some light on the interpretivism research philosophy, it is generally being adopted
by the researcher in case the study involves interpretation of the data in a subjective as well
as suitable manner and the nature of reality is socially constructed (Nayak and Singh, 2021).
On the other hand, positivism research philosophy is generally adopted by the investigator in
case the study involves explanation of the data in objective manners. In other sense it
comprises factual knowledge being obtained by observation. As far as the present research
work is being involved, the researcher makes use of interpretivism research philosophy
because of the fact that the focus of interest is specific and unique and the knowledge being
generated in the present work is relative which means that it is time, culture, value and
context bound.
Data collection methods
Data collection is being regarded as an important element in any research study. There
are two types of data collection methods that is primary and secondary data collection
methods. Talking about the primary data collection methods, it is also been called as raw data
and is s kind of information which is gained directly from the first-hand source by surveys,
experiments and observations. On the other side, secondary data collection methods are being
regarded as the information which is gathered by someone other than the actual user. This
signifies that the data is already present and someone evaluates it. It encompasses books,
newspaper articles, magazines, journals and so forth (Denscombe, 2017). Furthermore, it
might be published or unpublished information. In the current study, the investigator has used
both primary as well as secondary data collection methods for the purpose of effectively
attaining the main aim of the research work. Primary is being accumulated through carrying
out survey of the managers working in Tesco with the help of questionnaire. However,
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secondary is being collected by exploration of books, newspaper articles, magazines and
journals in the context of the chosen study area.
Data analysis methods
Soon after accumulation of both the data, another important element involves analysis
of the data by using varied methods. It involves extraction of the insights for supporting
effective decision making. There are mainly tow important methods of data evaluation that is
qualitative and quantitative. The former one encompasses subjective evaluation of
information in the form of themes and patterns for better decision-making process (Basias
and Pollalis, 2018). On contrary to this, the later one involves crunching the number for
finding out the results. In the present work, the investigator is making use of qualitative data
analysis wherein thematic analysis tool is being used. This method is being selected as the
current research is subjective or qualitative in nature and adopting this method will help the
investigator to have better evaluation of opinions and perspective of the participants.
Sampling techniques
A sample of 30 managers is being chosen from the whole population and are being
selected on the basis of simple random sampling method. This method is being chosen by the
investigator because through this each and every individual gets a fair chance of getting
selected in the survey.
Ethical issues
Each and every research work have some ethical issues which needs to be take care at
the time of conducting the research work by the investigator. Some of the ethical
considerations for the current work are being elaborated below:
 Permission of the participants of the primary study is being taken prior to the study
 The personal information of all the participants is being kept confidential
 Additionally, all the secondary information related to the subject area are being
sourced from reliable and authentic publishers and sites
 Reliability and validity have also been maintained in the present study
Reliability and validity of the study
Speaking in volume in relation with the reliability as well as validity, these are
defined as the notions being utilized for analysing the quality of the study. Moreover, they
help indicating the manners by which the techniques, methods or test measures something.
Reliability is all about the steadiness of a measure (Bajpai, 2016). On contrary, validity is all
11

about the accuracy of the measure. In the present research work, the reliability is being
maintained by enhancing the detailed primary notes by utilizing the questionnaire which act
as recording medium. In addition to this, the information being collected in the present work
are authentic as they are accumulated from credible sources which helps in validation of the
current work.
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CHPATER – 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Overview of the chapter
Speaking in relation with the data analysis and findings chapter, it is being regarded
as the crucial of all the chapters being discussed in this dissertation. This is because of the
fact that it is section which encompasses all the major findings and results of the work and
also supports in accomplishing the main aim and objectives of the study. In addition to this,
this is the chapter which also involves interpretation of the accumulated data and the
outcomes which are being explained successfully. Other than this, in this chapter of the
dissertation researcher delves into the sense, importance along with significance of the
outcomes being gathered.
Presentation of the results from the secondary analysis
In the current research work, the investigator has utilized both primary as well as
secondary data collection methods for the purpose of gathering important and relevant
information regarding the topic undertaken. The secondary data was being collected by
exploration of books, newspaper articles, magazines and journals in the context of the chosen
study area. On the other hand, the primary information was being collected from conducting
survey of 30 managers of Tesco with the help of questionnaire. Other than this, for the
purpose of evaluating the collected information from varied sources, the investigator has
utilized qualitative evaluation technique wherein thematic analysis has been further adopted.
Seeking help from this method, outcomes and results can be presented in a better and
effective manner in the form of common themes. Some of the common themes which have
been emerged from the evaluation of the data are being elaborated in the below section:
Theme – 1: Employee perceive change as the transformation of the current state
Interpretation
When the participants being involved in the survey were asked in relation with their
perception in regards with the change and its processes than around 18 out of 30 managers
were of the view that they perceive change as the transformation of the current state within
the organization. They further stated that when there is a modification in the present situation,
processes and approaches of the firm, change is witnessed. On the other hand, 8 out of 30
participants were of the view that change is nothing but the process of responding to the
environment. Further, 2 out 30 stated that change and its process involve alteration of the
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existing way of conducting business. Finally, the remaining 2 responded that change is the
transit verb.
Theme – 2: Change management is to prepare, support and helping teams to have
organizational change
Interpretation
At times when the respondents of the primary survey were inquired about their
understanding towards change management than maximum amount of the respondents i.e., 20
out of 30 were of the view that change management is a process which involves preparation,
supporting and helping teams, employees along with the firm to have effective change in the
organization. However, there were some managers that is around 3 out of 30 who stated that
change management is the controlled identification and execution of needed change.
furthermore, the remaining 7 out of 30 were of the view that change management is the
process of effectively managing the change along with its necessary procedure.
Theme – 3: Employees understand the meaning of change and change management
Interpretation
After carrying out primary research in this regard, it has been found out that 25 out of
30 participants understands the meaning of change and change management within the
organization. When inquired in the context of change and change management than they
further revealed that they are aware of these terms because in the recent past there has been
several changes that has been taken place in their company due to Covid10 pandemic. On the
other hand, there were some of the managers that is almost 5 out of 30 were of the view that
they are not aware about the meaning of change and change management in the context of the
environment. They further stated that they do not understand these terms along with its
importance in the firm.
Theme – 4: The employees resisted towards the past changes
Interpretation
When the participants were questioned in relation with their behaviour and reaction in
response to the past changes being implemented within the company than it was originated
that 19 out of 30 managers stated that most of the employees have resisted the change taking
place in the company. They further revealed that most of the them were conscious and feeling
that this change will impact their performance and thus, want to stick their old school
strategies for carrying out their task. On the other side, there were around 5 managers who
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were of the opinion that most of the employees have responded positively towards the past
changes that have been took place within the firm. Further, 4 out of 30 respondents stated that
employees reacted negatively to the change, however only 2 out of 30 participants were of
the opinion that employees accepted the change taking place in the firm.
Theme – 5: Tesco has prioritized organizational change through considering the
influence
Interpretation
At times when the researcher has asked the question to the participants of the primary
study about the process being employed by their company for prioritizing the organizational
change than mixed responses were recorded. It was found out that 17 out of 30 participants
were of the opinion that Tesco has prioritized the organizational change through effectively
taking into account the influence of varied internal as well as external factors. However, there
were around 3 participants who stated that it has been prioritized by the firm on the basis of
cost. 6 out of 30 participants stated that the firm has arranged organizational change on the
basis of urgency. Finally, there were 4 participants who think that urgency, cost and influence
have been taken by the Tesco while arranging change.
Theme – 6: The organizational change prioritized by Tesco supported positive business
environmental factors and trends
Interpretation
At times when the participants being involved in the primary study were questioned
whether the organizational change prioritized by Tesco supported positive business
environmental factors and trends than 20 out of 30 participants responded positively. On the
other hand, there were 10 out of 30 participants who were of the opinion that the
organizational change prioritized by Tesco have not supported positive business
environmental factors and trends and have resulted into negative business environment.
Theme – 7: Employees play the role of communicator, enabler and change practitioners
in the change process
Interpretation
From the evaluation of the primary study being conducted it has been found out that
21 out of 30 respondents stated that employees play an important role of communicator,
enabler as well as change practitioners in the process of change management. On the other
hand, there were around 4 out of 30 respondents who answered that employees only play the
15

role of communicator in the change process. Moreover, 2 out of 30 respondents think that
employees have an important role to play in the change process and that is the enabler. The
remaining 3 respondents were of the opinion that the workers within the company have a
change practitioners’ role in the process of change.
Theme – 8: Political, legal, social, environmental, economic and technological are some
of the factors that impacts the event of change
Interpretation
When it was inquired from the participants in relation with the factors that impacts the
event of change than 16 out of 30 were of the view that change is being impacted by different
factors such as political, legal, social, environmental, economic and technological. On the
other hand, there were 7 out of 30 participants who stated that the event of change is being
impacted political and legal factors. Furthermore, the other 4 were of the opinion that the
social and the environmental factors majorly influence the change. The remaining 3 out of 30
participants stated that it is economic and technological factors that influence the event of
change.
Theme – 9: Company has responded to the change by planning carefully and offering
training and development
Interpretation
This theme relates with the ways company has responded to the change taking place.
When the managers were questioned about this than 20 out of 30 were of the opinion that the
company has responded to the change by planning carefully and offering training and
development. On the other side, there were around 5 out of 30 participants who answered that
company has reacted towards the change by focusing on the performance. Moreover, there
the remaining 5 out of 30 managers who were of the opinion that they have responded to the
change by inviting participation of employees.
Theme – 10: Management legitimise change and reduce resistance to change in
responding to a changing business environment
Interpretation
When the participants were questioned in relation with role being played by the
management in responding to a changing business environment than most of the participants
that is around 18 out of 30 were of the view that management has legitimised change and
reduced resistance to change for managing the changing business environment. On contrary
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to this, there were around 10 participants who answered that management has prepared the
managers and this is their major response to a changing business environment. Finally, the
remaining 2 out of 30 were of the view that management has supported the team as a
response to the change taking place within the firm.
Discussion
The main aim of the present research work is to evaluate the ways in which the
organization respond and manage in the changing business environment. The study was being
undertaken in Tesco, one of the leading supermarket chains of UK. Further, the study was
being performed by making use of qualitative analysis wherein the data was accumulated by
performing the survey of the managers working in Tesco. The data evaluation was being
performed with the support of the thematic evaluation. According to the outcomes of the
study, it could be stated that the company has effectively responded and managed the
changing business environment along with the change management process. Moreover, it was
also found out that most of the employees of the company were aware about this process and
effectively comprehends about the change management. It was found out that employees and
managers perceive change as the transformation of the current state within the organization.
This is supported by Jalagat (2016), who stated that change management is nothing but
transformation of the present state of the company and adjusting and replacing organizational
processes, strategies and technologies to adapt to the change.
In addition to this, it has also been originated from the analysis that change
management is a process which involves preparation, supporting and helping teams,
employees along with the firm to have effective change in the organization. Moreover, most
of the employees have resisted the change taking place in the company. It was explored that
they were conscious and feeling that this change will impact their performance and thus, want
to stick their old school strategies for carrying out their task. Similar to this outcome of the
study, it has been stated by Millar (2015), resistance to change is being rooted in fear. At the
time of change, there might be some employees who feel the requirement to cling to the past
techniques or processes as they think it was more secure and effective.
Other than this, the findings of the research work also demonstrate that prioritizing
organizational change is very crucial. The managers of the company have provided different
views regarding this and it was originated that the company has prioritized the organizational
by taking in account their influence. This is supported by Anthony (2014), who is of the
opinion that the decision in relation with prioritizing the organizational change is generally
17

dependent on the cost, requirement of the business, priority and many other factors. They
further revealed that however, one of the most common as well as customary technique of
ordering modification is by deliberation of the influence as well as earnestness. On the other
hand, it has been also found out from the study that managers play the role of communicator,
enabler as well as change practitioners in the process of change management. According to
Haque, TitiAmayah and Liu (2016), managers and employees have an important role to play
in the change management process. they help in communicating, motivating, encouraging and
supporting the employees and even decrease the level of resistance towards the change.
furthermore, there are also several factors that influences the event of change and some of the
factors being identified from the evaluation was political, legal, social, environmental,
technological and economical factors. Additionally, both primary along with the secondary
study confirms that management has legitimised change and reduced resistance to change in
response to the changing business environment.
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CHAPTER – 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusion
From the findings and analysis of the study, it can be concluded that there are
different effective ways of responding and managing the changing business environment. The
research study also concludes that change and change management is being regarded as one
of the most essential aspects that needs to be comprehended by each and every employee
within the firm. It could be stated that the company has effectively responded and managed
the changing business environment along with the change management process. Likewise, it
was also instituted that most of the employees of the company were aware about the change
and change management process and effectively comprehends about the same. Furthermore,
from the studies it has also been found out that employees and managers perceive change as
the transformation of the current state within the organization.
It can be said that change management is nothing but transformation of the present
state of the company and adjusting and replacing organizational processes, strategies and
technologies to adapt to the change. Other than this, the researcher has also determined varied
factors that have significant influence on the event of change and these are political, legal,
social, environmental, technological and economic factors. It is important on the part of the
organizations to take into account these factors otherwise change management will not take
place smoothly. Moreover, from the above evaluation, it can also be concluded that there are
different ways through which firms can respond and react to the change and the most
important among them is planning carefully and offering training and development. In
addition to this, it has also been originated from the analysis that change management is a
process which involves preparation, supporting and helping teams, employees along with the
firm to have effective change in the organization.
Seeking help from effective planning, processes related to the change can be planned
effectively and resistance to change can be reduced. additionally, training and development
programs will help the employees in better understanding the change process, its purpose and
need. Moving further, it can also be said that resistance to change have also cam out as an
important element that has impacted the process of change and change management within
the organization. Resistance to change is very common, as most of the people feel the fear
and they does not want to accept the new process and techniques of conducting their job
because they are satisfied and happy with their past techniques. This is the very common
reason behind resistance of change being identified in the study. However, there are some
19

other reasons as well such as loss of control, concerns about competence and capabilities,
poor communication, fear of failure, lack of trust, emotional responses and so forth.
Other than this, the report has also been successful enough in determining the
important role being played by the management in changing business environment. It has
been originated from the study that the management plays the role of legitimising change and
reduced resistance to change in response to the changing business environment. The findings
of the study might provide some implications for the people who work for the organizations,
scholars and practitioners conducting study in the same area and other change management
managers as seeking help from this work, they can understand the ways of responding and
managing change in the business environment. Besides, the study will have implications on
the other researchers and practitioners as through this, they can understand the practices being
adopted by the company as a respond to the change taking place in the business environment.
Talking in relation with the further studies, it can be said that increased number of managers
of the company of some other companies can be chosen.
Recommendations
Based on the above analysis, it can be said that there are different ways through which
the organizations can respond and manage change in the business environment. In this
regards the first think is to take into account the steps to reduce the resistance among the
employees. if company can manage this effectively, change can be managed and
implemented effectively within the organizations. Thus, here are some suggested ways
through which the company reduce resistance to change and these are:
 Clear and relevant communication – It is crucial on the part of the company to gain
trust of the employees in the event of change and for this, effective, clear and relevant
communication should take place between the management and the workers. Each
and every aspect of the change, its vision, requirement and process must be shared
with the employees. Through this, the stress level among the employees can be
reduced. workers generally resist change as they generally make efforts to avoid
information meetings. Thus, it is important on the part of the managers to hold the
information meetings in such a manner that they engage employees in the process of
change.
 Enthusiasm and support – For the change management process to be a success,
enthusiasm along with the support for the execution is very essential. Further, the
support from the top management is very essential for effective execution. Further,
20

top level management of the companies are required to uniformly stand behind it.
They are also required to make sure that the employees obey the policies and the
workplace suits them.
 Clear objectives – It is also crucial on the part of the managers of the companies to
have the clear answers to why the firm is executing the change within the
organization. if the firm will have clear answers than the managers will be in a
position to handle resistance to change effectively. further, each and every employee
along with the managers must be clear about the objectives behind the change taking
place in the company so that they can think about making adjustments to the changes
instead of going against it.
Other than this, there are different other ways as well through which the managers of
the company can respond and manage in changing business environment and some of the
recommend strategies are as follows:
 Anticipating and adapting – Many a times, manager can anticipate change in the
business environment situations and familiarize suitably to the predictable
modifications. with the data collected from forecasting, managers can support their
firms in adapting internally to the expected demands of the environment. For
example, Tesco can stock their products as per the festival season. This is because, the
demands for products are increased during these seasons.
 Smoothing or levelling – This is being referred as the strategy that aims at smoothing
the sales across the year. Throughout the period of low demand, the firm might
provide discounts, and reduce the prices of their products for motivating clients to
purchase their products. Thus, this change can better be managed by levelling or
smoothing the sales of the firm.
 Revisiting company strategy – It is also highly suggested to the managers of the
company to have the right strategy for the purpose of having better performance and
management of change.
 Transparency – Furthermore, one of the trickiest parts of the organizational change is
that most of time it arrives in phases and encompasses level of confidentiality on the
part of the management teacher and some employees. nevertheless, when the change
is major within the firm than it is important to become transparent with the workers
although it involves giving all the details to the employees and other stakeholders.
This goes long way and employees for trusted and comfortable.
21

 Creation of the roadmap – One of the most important approaches of responding and
managing in changing business environment is helping the workers comprehend
where the firm is, where it has been where it will be going etc. If a complete roadmap
is being offered to the employees than they can easily adapt according to the expected
change and became accustomed to.
 Empowering employees through communication – Communication is being referred
as the necessary strategy for managing the change taking place in the organization. a
vision for change is only as powerful as the communication that helps it. If the
communication is effective in change management that it offers clarity for why the
change is required along with helps in mobilizing the workers with a sense of urgency
for the change.
22

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APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Demographic information:
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Q1. What is the perception of employees towards change and its processes?
 Change is the transit verb
 Altering the existing way of conducting business
 Change is a process of responding to the environment
 Transformation of the current state
Q2. What do you understand by change management?
 Management of change and its process
 Controlled identification and execution of needed change
 Prepare, support and helping teams to have organizational change
 All of the above
Q3. Do employees understand the meaning of change and change management?
 Yes
 No
Q4. In what manners the employees have responded and reacted to past changes?
 Positive
 Negative
 Resistance
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 Acceptance
Q5. How Tesco has prioritized organizational change?
 Cost
 Urgency
 Consideration of influence
 All of the above
Q6. The organizational change prioritized by Tesco supported positive business
environmental factors and trends?
 Yes
 No
Q7. What role does the employees plays in the change processes?
 Communicator
 Enabling role
 Change practitioners
 All of the above
Q8. What are some of the factors that impacts the event of change?
 Political and legal
 Social and environmental
 Economic and technological
 All of the above
Q9. How your company has responded to the change?
 Focusing on the performance
 Planning carefully
 Offering training and development
 Inviting participation of employees
Q10. What role does the management plays in responding to a changing business
environment?
 Legitimising change
 Decreasing resistance to change
 Preparing the managers
 Supporting team
27