Understanding Change Management Strategies

This assignment delves into the field of organizational change management. It examines various theoretical perspectives on managing change, including Lewin's model, Kotter's 8-Step Process, and Engeström's framework. The assignment also analyzes the impact of organizational change on water resources in England, drawing from academic research. Additionally, it highlights the importance of individual readiness for change and how it influences human resource development. Real-world examples like Belle International Ltd. and Wheelock are used to illustrate practical applications of change management principles.

MANAGING AND
LEADING STRATEGIC
CHANGE

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
LITERATURE REVIEW................................................................................................................1
2.1 Key change plans in leadership, cultural and management .................................................1
2.2 Implication of changes..........................................................................................................3
2.3 Challenges of managing and leading strategic changes .......................................................4
2.3.1 Elements and needs for organisational change .................................................................5
2.4 How to go through the difficulties .......................................................................................6
2.5 Change management.............................................................................................................7
2.6 Explanation of difficulties.....................................................................................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................8
REFERENCES ...............................................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION
Strategic management is the process of developing strategic and policies in order to
achieve goals and objectives of business organisations. It involves setting aim, evaluating the
competitive environment, analysing strategies as well as situation of internal organisation so as
to identify the problems and issues. Apart from this, strategic management helps in identifying
the way in which a business entity competes with its competitors and recognising those threats
and opportunities which can impact upon a business organisation (Bambrick-Santoyo, 2012).
Whellock & Co. and Belle International are the chosen organisation in this present report,. In
which Whellock & Co. is a financial real state based company. It deals in property development,
investment and management in Hong Kong. It operates its functions in Singapore, UK, China
etc. whereas Belle international is the number one shoe retailer firm that basically deals in
women footwear. Currently is has covered 22% share of overall market; the company is liable in
producing, distribution and selling its products over the world. Bella international has operated in
wholesale of textiles and it has 46410 branches across the globe. The products and services of
both firms are popular in Hong Kong, this is the reason that companies have wide range of target
audiences. Main aim of the firm is to deliver quality stuff to their customers. The present report
will be discussing changes in leadership, organisational cultural and management of the business
organisation. It will also describe the challenges that will be faced by managers in planning of
strategic changes.
LITERATURE REVIEW
In this research, viewpoints of various authors are included. Battilana and Casciaro,
(2012) said that strategic management is an essential part of business organisation in order to
achieve its goals and objectives. It also involves findings and methodologies upon managerial
and leading activities.
2.1 Key change plans in leadership, cultural and management
It is necessary for every business organisation to create and execute some plans in order
to run their businesses in an effective manner. For that, they need to develop activities in which
all plans are included. This would be attained employees towards working activities of the
company. Along with this, it can also improve coordination and communication among staff
members and managers. The prime goal of every business entity is to work towards achieving
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goals and objectives that leads to attain growth and success in the market. Therefore,
organisational plans are helpful in managing all activities and operations of the firm. If there is
any change in it then this can also influence organisational leadership, cultural and management.
Key changes in cultural: -
Organisational cultural is an ambitious dimension that encompasses formal and informal
factors; these are not static. Changes in organisational cultural is a very great for it would impact
on its performance as well as productivity. In this sense, an organisational cultural refers with an
interlinking set of aims, processes, attitudes, communication practices, roles, assumptions and
attitudes (Burnes and Jackson, 2011). It is a crucial determinant of climate that is liable to
become a successive organisation. Wheelock & Co. is now focusing on divergent cultural so as
to provide qualitative products and services to their customers. In addition, variations in cultural
has a critical impact upon growth and success of companies. The change Kaleidoscope model
is apply in this situation. It is diagnostic framework that contains three rings, such as – the first
ring involves organisational strategic context, the second is considered with various features of
strategic change context. The last one includes design choices which are made by internal
management. In addition, the model says that, effective and strong organisational cultural helps
in improving market growth and success. For example - The change will influence the entire
association as the progressive structure has been customized and the authoritative structure has
been compacted. The management group of Belle international Ltd., and Wheelock have been
split and the money related division has sparing targets. Therefore, the change is transnational.
Key changes in management
Management has a significant role in order to achieve goals and objectives of the firm. It
helps in connecting employees towards business activities so that they can perform and produce
better. Along with this, changes in management process make a better communication so that all
employees can easily interact with each other. This would also influence the decision making
ability of managers as they make better conclusion in order to achieve goals and objectives of
company. Bella international is regularly updating its management plan so as to perform
effectively in the target market. But there are many external factors which impact upon the
management process of company. So, it is essential for managers to analyse these factors and
develop market growth strategies for the firm. The contemporary management theory is applied
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in this situation. The theory consists that there is not an individual way to organise a business
entity. In order to lead a corporation in effective manner. Along with this, the theory describe
various differences that are helpful in organisational attribution, such as – span of control,
formalization of rules and centralization of authorities. Therefore, managers needs to make
different conclusion in order to deal with any situation. For example - continuing effort helps in
determining most appropriate management as per the demand of situation. If one is leading
troops in Belle international Ltd., an autocratic style is probably best whereas participative and
facilitative leadership style is probably best in Wheelock due to its flexible working
environment.
Key changes in leadership
Leadership plays a major role in improving the organisational performance. Effective
leaders are the important part of any company as they are liable for its growth and development
in competitive market. Along with this, there are four types of leadership behaviours. Apart
from this, all activities and operations of multinational business organisations rely upon their
leaders' decisions (Carter and et. al., 2013). Therefore, it can be said that leadership is an
evolutionary process among firms as it motivates and encourages employees to work towards
achieving organisational goals and objectives. In this sense, business organisations needs to
change their leadership styles so that they can effectively focus on their working practices. The
path goal theory is applied in this, it is the best theory of leadership style that is suitable within
working environment for achieving goals and objectives of the company. These goals are related
to maximising workers' motivation, satisfaction as well as empowerment so as they could
become a valuable assets for the company. It is a best process in which leaders select particular
behaviour of their employees so as they can feel comfortable within workplace. For example -
the prime objective of path goal to challenge his subordinates with high-level goals in order to
depot higher level of performance from them. The leader motivates subordinates through an
insistence as they can handle all he expects of them and that the outcome will be positive and
beneficial for all.
There are given some another theories which can implement by business organisations in
order to deal with changes in leadership, management and organisational cultural. Such are
theories helps managers as they can easily find relevant solution of every problem and issues,
stated as under: -
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 Punctuated equilibrium model – This model is liable for fundamental organisational
changes which is stable to gain short term experiences. Punctuated equilibrium theory is a
method of understanding change in complex social system. It is helpful for managers as
they can study the changes in policy evolution (Keppel and Wardell‐Johnson, 2012). The
model helps a company as it can easily enter in new market. Punctuated equilibrium
model helps it in analysing those factors which can impact upon its market position and
growth. It is very difficult for a firm to enter into a new market so as it have to produce
something unique that is able to attract many customers.
 Leadership skills and behavioural theory – Behavioural theories of leadership are
helpful in managing all working activities in a systematic manner (Charlton and Arnell,
2011). It consists with a leader is the predictor who is liable for all outcomes. For
example- in Wheellocks & Co. leadership theory helps in change initiatives. It means the
leader of the company needs to adopt change management concept in order to improving
employees' performance and growth.
Multinational companies i.e. Whellocks & CO. and Belle international applies these
theories that helps it in merger and acquisitions, downsizing and privatization. In merger and
acquisition, companies are consolidated assess of other enterprises. In addition, there are firms
are involved in merger and acquisitions, with the aim of extend their market share. Kaleidoscope
change model helps in privatization of public companies so as they can gain more profits in
target market.
2.2 Implication of changes
In this modern era, business owners frequently update their tools and techniques. Each
and every firm tends towards endorsing new ideas and innovation so as to make their production
process better as well as unique. Customers are the market king and they have dynamic tastes or
choices. Hence, it is the moral duty of organisations to provide those products which are able to
meet buyer’s needs and demands. This will be assistive in accomplishing high market share and
growth for the firm.
For that, managers needs to adopt flexible techniques which can fit in all situation and
make effective organisational affairs. in order to improve production as well as performance of
employees. If business entities, i.e. Belle international Ltd., render flexible time schedule as per
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workers' choice then it helps in attaining and retaining employees for a long period of time (Belle
international Ltd., 2017). Apart from this, it is the moral duty of managers to give healthy and
positive working environment to people so that they can work effectively and efficiently (Choi
and Ruona, 2011). It will enhance the efficiency in work process to satisfy customers' needs and
desires. A philosophical change in business operations put a positive or negative impact on
workers' attitude and morale. It emphasises on supplying more relaxing work environment to
gain higher performance of employees. Due to unnecessary restrictions, Employees' performance
as well as production level is reduced and they are less interested in participation of business
activities.
Belle international limited has chosen the same strategy to establish friendly and positive
working environment. Apart from this, business cultural has too indispensable role in firms; it
consists with age, gender, attitudes, beliefs, morals, values, race, religion of employees. Business
cultural refers that there are several types of employees are working in a company so as company
have to be fulfilled them in an adequate manner to attain and retain staff members for a long term
period. It is a typical task for companies in order to manage all employees in the same manner.
Thus, managers need to create effective strategic for handling all issues and problems of such
people in a proper manner. With reference to this, these policies and strategies help a company to
lead the overall market and become a leader (Hornstein, 2015). After implementation of
changes, employees will worked in better manner. Their skills and knowledge will be improved;
this would helpful for company in getting high competitive advantage in a certain time period.
Therefore, sometimes changes are also essentials in attaining and retaining employees for long
term period, it results firm will gain well skilled and qualified workforce. For example – a new
Change Leadership training program that would helps leaders in an engaging and powerful way,
and in teaching leaders different tools to implement them successfully. A vital supplement to this
emphasis on employees' behaviour while transition is the regular collection of their input to
measure employee reactions to change, the impact on engagement and leadership effectiveness.
Hence, changes are beneficial for Wheelock and Belle international limited in getting well
managed workforce.
Systemic management process is related to put control on all working activities and
operations. If managers put control upon their all functions, as results they will gain higher profit
and sales. Business owners needs to create and execute a marketing plan that is able to bring
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large number of customers in target market. Buyers are people which are responsible for the
growth and failure of a firm, so as Wheelock & Co. needs to provide their customers branded
and quality added product for improving its market image and position (Managerial changes in
Wheelock, 2017). It will generate high revenue and sales for company.
2.3 Challenges of managing and leading strategic changes
Leadership and management; both are the important aspects of business entities. Leaders
and managers are responsible in order to develop effective strategies and policies for the growth
and betterment of business entities. Along with this, leadership means coping up with changes
whereas management comprises with resolving all issues and problems. But, there are given
some major challenges that are being faced by managers while managing and leading strategic
changes which are stated as follows: Creating a new mind set – It is one of the biggest challenges that is generally faced by
business entities. Along with this, in order to become the leader of overall market, it is
essential for companies that they regulate innovative tools and techniques in their
production process. Belle International limited now tend towards the way in which
current strategies and policies of company, are developed. This will help them to compete
with external market forces which will put a negative impact on organisational growth
and development (Choi, 2011). Give directions – It is also another challenge for companies and their managers to decide
the way of giving effective directions to employees in order to achieve a particular task.
There are various managers working in company where all have diverse opinions and
viewpoints. Sometimes, all managers need to give their suggestions on a specific topic.
This can distract employees which one is adopted among all of them. With reference to
this, leaders think that they are rendering clear inclination for the team but sometimes, it
could be an assumption more than reality. Sustaining the change – Each and every firm needs to determine their plans and policies
for a long period of time for attaining growth and success. Along with this, firm also
requires to implement this plan in a systematic and effective manner. This could increase
the market profits and shares of business organisations. Converting the insight into actions – It is essential for the managers to make realistic
goals of their ideas and thoughts. If a company produces better and something innovative
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then it is able to compete with rivals in the external market. In this sense, leaders have to
make an adequate conversation with all stakeholders in order to maximum utilisation of
available resources in time effective manner.
 Paternity leave ordinance – Managers of Belle international have to involve paternity
leave ordinance for women employees. This concept helps women employees as they can
stay there for long term period. For example- in Wheellock & Co. there are so many
parents are working, so as their managers needs to provide leave at the time of
pregnancy.
 Number of mainland visitors – There are many mainland visitors of the company who
are main source of a firm's growth and success. Therefore, Bella international focuses on
that how to retain these key customers for their growth and development.
2.3.1 Elements and needs for organisational change
Organisational change is the process that relates with strategies, technologies, structure,
operation methods and business cultural that affect the overall change within company's policy.
The change is occurred for long period of time and put a huge impact on firm's activities as well
as its decisions. Below mentioned key elements and needs of organisational change are stated as
follows: Build up competition – Organisational change helps in building competition among
various business entities. In addition, these variations are assistive in order to achieve
competitive advantages by helping in facing problems and issues which are arised due to
dynamics in market trends. Bring technological advancement – The concept of organisational change consists with
technological advancement (Engeström and Sannino, 2011). Due to market competition,
it is necessary for all business organisations to use new techniques so that they can
produce something better to meet needs and demands of customers effectually.
 Develop satisfied customers – In firms, changes are implemented for gaining more
customers. Buyers are king of market place, a firm's growth and success is depend upon
its number of customers. For that, it needs to make a plan which aim is to deliver more
customers satisfaction.
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Elements of organisational change Vision and mission – Vision is the concept that sets for long term period i.e. 5 to 10
years. Whereas, mission is created in order to achieve organisation's objectives. Apart
from this, Belle International limited and Wheellock & CO. have their own vision and
mission. It can also helps them in developing strategies and policies. For example- the
main vision of both companies' leader to complete work effectively, such firms have
good leaders who gives guidance to employees, their aim is to develop current skills and
knowledge of existing staff members. Strategies – Strategies are the road map for every business enterprise that helps in
providing suitable directions for attaining goals and objectives of firm (Kotler, 2011).
 Values – It is an ethical responsibility of every firm to give importance to the values and
beliefs of employees while implementing any change in their company.
Changes are implemented for short as well as long term period. But they equally impact
upon staff members and their performance; if managers make any changes in compensation of
employees. The long term objectives are useful in achieving goals and objectives of business so
that they can easily achieve their set targets. This is beneficial for they staff members as they
know the targets which had to be achieved by them by adopting plans and strategies. This is
valuable in increasing performances of employees as they are completing their task in the desired
times which have been allotted to them.
2.4 How to go through the difficulties
Changes are natural in dynamic environment. Belle International limited faces several
changes while adopting changes in its business as it is indispensable for company's growth and
success. There are given major difficulties that are faced by a firm like: Dissatisfaction of buyers – Sometimes, changes are not able to satisfy customers’ needs
and even they put negative impact on organisational performance and productivity. All
managers are not able to take effective and sufficient decisions, there is needed proper
training and skills. It is very difficult to identify the area in which employers needs to
take training. Technological issues – Technology is also a big element that is included in making
changes. In this modern world, there are so many techniques and tools integrated, but it is
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not possible for a company to adopt all new techniques (Keppel and Wardell‐Johnson,
2012). It increases a tough competition among two or more companies.
 Financial issues – These issues are faced by small companies which do not have any
source of income. Due to income issues, these Belle international and Wheelock cannot
provide regular training sessions to their employees and also, they cannot fulfil buyer's
demand. Lack of finance put a huge impact on company's market growth and its position
as well.
2.5 Change management
Change management is a term that is used in order to move an organisation from its
existing stage to the desired level. In other words, business organisations develop various
policies and strategies so that they can respond effectively towards change. Along with this,
change is an essential factor that helps managers as well as employees for improvising their
current skills and knowledge. In addition, change management is also helpful in analysing issues
and conflicts of company that occur at the workplace. Wheelock & Co. and Belle International
also adopt the concept for achieving goals and objectives in the target market. It aids business
owners in creating plans towards providing training and development assistance to workers.
 Change management is a planned and organised process that is served for the assessment
of organisational progress.
 It helps managers as they can respond quickly towards external environmental elements
i.e. customers’ demands (Gerth, 2013).
 Change management is regulated without affecting day to day business activities.
 It is liable in rendering anticipate challenges and also, increasing the effectiveness of
customer services of business organisation.
Below mentioned is the process of change management that is stated as under: - Preparing – The stage involves identification of area in which change is necessary. There
are many environmental factors that put a huge impact on the growth and success of
business and this is the reason that managers have to be always ready to adopt change. Designing – It includes designing the ways through which a company can easily
accomplish its mission and vision. In addition, plan of Belle International should be able
to put an effective control on all activities and operations of company as they are
completed in a systematic manner.
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 Executing – When the overall plan is designed, it is executed across the organisation. It
gives guidance to employees that how to work on a particular project or task. The prime
concept of change management is to improve the techniques which are being used in
production (What is change management?. 2011).
 Sustaining – The plan of change management is able to sustain growth and success for a
long term period and it is related to vision and missions of the company.
In business organisations, change are helpful because they helps in generating profits and
development. If both companies Belle International and Wheellock & Co. are adopts the concept
of change management so as they can easily achieve their goals and objectives. Therefore, it can
be said that changes are necessary for a firm in order to maintain customers as well as employees
so as they can connect with it for a long period.
2.6 Explanation of difficulties
In every business entity, changes impact upon all their operations and practices. Along
with this, sometimes, change can influence or reduce employees' performance and their
productivity as well. Even though, it can develop for future growth but cannot match with the
current criteria of company. Sometimes, the issue of employee resistance is faced by the middle
management. It includes the way in which diversification in variations impact upon a particular
department. In this, workers feel that they have a lot of working pressure which could threaten
their job.
Communication issue of change management also put a huge impact of all department
and units. It is very difficult to convey the plan among all over business with that employees are
also not properly aware about all of them (Hamraz, Caldwell and Clarkson, 2013). Effective and
efficient communication process can reduce the gap between managers and workers through
which they can share their ideas easily. Apart from this, implementation of new techniques and
tools also influence the change management. Due to lack to training, employees get aware about
the way of using new technologies. This can away them from market competition and company
is not able to achieve its goals and objectives which are the main source of its success.
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CONCLUSION
As per the above referred report, it has been concluded that the core concept of strategic
management helps management to adopt new techniques and tools. The present report has
concluded key changes in leadership, management and business cultural along with stating the
way in which it affects performance of employees. Apart from this, there is discussed challenges
which are being faced by the managers in implication of change. Strategic changes need some
elements so as to create values for company. In addition, the process of change management and
explanation of difficulties in this process are also described.
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What is change management?. 2011. [Online]. Available through:
<https://www.prosci.com/change-management/what-is-change-management>. [Accessed
on 28th August 2017].
Managerial changes in Wheelock, 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.wheelockcompany.com/>
Belle international Ltd., 2017. [Online]. Available through:
<http://www.belleintl.com/index.php?file=en>.
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