Managing change : Case study: HAMK University of Applied Sciences, Valkeakoski
Chau Thi Tra, Mi (2012)
Chau Thi Tra, Mi
Hämeen ammattikorkeakoulu
2012
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2012111515334
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2012111515334
Tiivistelmä
In response to changes imposed by the Finnish government on the Univer-sities of Applied Sciences system in the near future, HAMK has proactive-ly adopted several programmes to prepare for future challenges and rein-force the organization’s competitiveness. However, organizational change has never been an easy, straightforward issue and how to manage change effectively has become an interest to the organization.
The study aims at providing suggestions for a more successful change im-plementation in HAMK, Valkeakoski unit by reducing resistance and mo-tivating employees towards change. To achieve the objective, critical as-pects of organizational change theories have been explored. In particular, resistance to change and role of change agents in facilitating change process by minimizing resistance and motivating, supporting employees to adapt with change were fully discussed. In addition, the study also ex-amined two main approaches to change which are planned approach and emergent approach. These are the foundations for change management theory. In conjunction with theoretical research, a survey was conducted for a deeper understanding of change management in practice, within the context of HAMK, Valkeakoski unit.
According to research findings, certain aspects could be improved for a more effective change management. Recommendations are given to ad-dress those issues. For example, breaking down the change process is sug-gested to establish more local change agents, enable effective employee involvement and delegation. More support and direction from the superior is also critical during change. Besides, raising employees’ awareness of the need to change and impact of change through team briefing or informal communication with local change agents is advised. Furthermore, training, managing change for internal transferred employees, setting consistent goals for change throughout the entire organization and the application of prototype change are other potential rooms for improvement.
The study aims at providing suggestions for a more successful change im-plementation in HAMK, Valkeakoski unit by reducing resistance and mo-tivating employees towards change. To achieve the objective, critical as-pects of organizational change theories have been explored. In particular, resistance to change and role of change agents in facilitating change process by minimizing resistance and motivating, supporting employees to adapt with change were fully discussed. In addition, the study also ex-amined two main approaches to change which are planned approach and emergent approach. These are the foundations for change management theory. In conjunction with theoretical research, a survey was conducted for a deeper understanding of change management in practice, within the context of HAMK, Valkeakoski unit.
According to research findings, certain aspects could be improved for a more effective change management. Recommendations are given to ad-dress those issues. For example, breaking down the change process is sug-gested to establish more local change agents, enable effective employee involvement and delegation. More support and direction from the superior is also critical during change. Besides, raising employees’ awareness of the need to change and impact of change through team briefing or informal communication with local change agents is advised. Furthermore, training, managing change for internal transferred employees, setting consistent goals for change throughout the entire organization and the application of prototype change are other potential rooms for improvement.