Chapter 18, Problem 1CR

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The differences between the forces for change and planned change

Introduction:

Change: Change occurs when the organizational system of the business is affected by an internal or external force

Explanation of Solution

Forces for change are unplanned and unforeseen factors that cause change within an organization. These often come as shocks to the business, such as a global recession, and so the business will not immediately have a plan to deal with these changes. It may also disrupt the firm’s corporate strategy, especially if it is a negative factor, such as the rise in global competition that may cause the firm’s market share to fall below target.

In contrast, planned change is intentional and specifically carried out by change agents, in order to achieve a certain goal, or in order to change with external factors. For example, a firm may choose to increase the racial and gender-based diversity of its workforce in response to increased importance placed on diversity in current society. Furthermore, planned change usually causes the business to achieve a specific goal, and thus ultimately works towards the fulfillment of the firm’s corporate strategy.

Therefore, forces for change force a business to implement a plan to manage the change, whereas planned change is the result of a business strategy.