Resistance in Change

Resistance at organizational change How resistance appears

There are various forms of resistance. It is important to know what the reasons and consequences are. What gives strength to resist and where does it come from? Past events Resistance can be the result of bad experience in past events. Power The more power is shared, the stronger is the resistance, because it is almost impossible to establish the change. Absence of a clear need or desire for change Then higher it is, the higher the resistance will be. The people have to think that the change is really necessary and urgent. This can be reached for example through time pressure. Scope and complexity of the change The bigger the change, the greater the resistance. For example just the mentioning of a larger scope can cause resistance. Uncertainty – Old habits People may resist change because they are worried they work and lives will be affected in a bad way. They are used to the way they work now and don’t want to change it. They feel comfortable. Concern over personal loss People are worried they will lose because of the change things like power, prestige, salary or quality of work.