Understanding employee experiences of and reactions to radical organizational change efforts through an interactive exercise

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Organizational change, particularly radical change, is usually accompanied by a reorganization of systems and structures alongside a redistribution of power across the organization. This organizational overhaul accompanying radical organizational change is usually associated with threats to core identity, self-concept, self-esteem, job status, and organizational culture. Such dramatic changes, potentially characterized by a paradigmatic shift can challenge employee sensemaking, resulting in acute stress. The proposed session, by way of an interactive exercise, aims to facilitate participants’ understanding of radical organizational change and the challenges associated with its implementation. The role of organizational development techniques in successful change management is also highlighted.

Author(s):

Preeti Wadhwa    
California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly)
United States

Deborah Brazeal    
California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly)
United States

Carlos Gonzalez    
California State Polytechnic University (Cal Poly)
United States