Change, Resistance and Culture in Management: A Case Study of Walmart

This assignment focuses on the influence of change, resistance and culture in the success of Walmart, a multinational retail company. It outlines Kurt Lewin's change management theoretical model and how resistance to change can be dealt with accordingly.

MANAGEMENT
STUDENT’S NAME
COURSE
UNIVERSITY
DATE
Understanding people and organizations

INTRODUCTI
ON
 This task is going to focus on three aspects in management which are very crucial for the
success of any organization which are change, resistance and culture.
 This task is going to focus on Walmart which is a multinational retail company that runs a
variety of hypermarkets, chain stores, grocery stores and department stores for discount.
 The assignment shall outline how change has an influence in the performance of the
organization and how resistance to this change can be dealt with accordingly using Kurt
Lewin’s change management theoretical model

CHANGE
 Change is inevitable as far as the success of the organization is
concerned

Walmart and change
Adopting new technologies that will enhance
customer services.

Kurt lewin’s change model
Lewin described this model as a three-stage process also
known as unfreezing- change – refreeze.

Unfreezin
g  .

Change
 individuals begin applying the new technology bit by bit until it
becomes their routine with time.
 the organization should create more emphasis on the significance of
the new technology in business which enhances efficient adoption of
the technology throughout the organization within a short period.

Refreezing
 people have fully adopted
the new technology
 the employees and
consumers for the
organization’s services are
very comfortable with the
new technology.

Resistance
 Refers to an act of forfeiting an act not willing to involve yourself in

Resistance to change
This is where the people have a negative
attitude towards the newly introduced
change.
If the change is sudden people will tend to
resist hence a successful change
management plan should be given time.

Overcoming resistance to
change
 Winning the support of key influential individuals within the organization
 use of manipulation and cooptation

Organizational culture
 This refers to both the formalities of tackling issues in the organization

 Walmart can effect changes
easily and introduce a
culture that influences
adaption of change.

 An organizational
culture that is
impressive to change
is usually the best.

Conclusion
Change in the organization should be appreciated
because it enhances the success of the organization
within the competitive business environment
The management should use appropriate procedure in
bringing about the desired change within the
organization at any given time.
Resistance to change should be handled well so as to
enhance maximum cooperation of all the employees
within the organization.

ReferencesBurke, W. 2013 Organization change. London: SAGE Publications. (4th ed., p. 175)
Cummings, T., & Worley, C.2014 Organization development and change USA: Cengage Learning.
(10th ed., p. 22).
Gibson, J., & Hodgetts, R. 2013 Readings and Exercises in Organizational Behavior Saint Louis: Elsevier
Science. (1st ed.pp105).
Griffin, R., & Moorhead, G. 2012 Organizational behavior Mason, Ohio: South-Western. (10th ed., p.
551).
Reiss, M.2012. Change Management Norderstedt: Books on Demand. (1st ed. p80)
Weaver, R., Weaver, D., & Farwood, D. 2013) Guide to network defense and countermeasures USA:
Cengage Learning. (3rd ed., p. 531).