Preparing for productivity intervention initiatives

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to cite resistance to change as a significant reason why productivity initiatives fail. Therefore, effectively managing and overcoming resistance to change is a critical factor for the successful outcome of any intervention. This paper explores current knowledge of resistance to change and seeks to review the literature and so understand what methods can be used to manage change initiatives. Design/methodology/approach – An extensive literature review has identified theories, frameworks and methodologies to successfully manage and overcome resistance to organisational change. Findings – Managing and overcoming opposition to change starts by assessing the types of resistance; and this classification will form the basis for the development of an implementation strategy to reduce resistance. This includes creating readiness and urgency for change, creating a vision for change, having employees participate in the change effort, training and coaching employees, effectively communicating the change, creating and planning for quick wins and refreezing the organisation. Research limitations/implications – The tools and techniques presented in this paper need to be adapted to the organisation’s specificities as well as to the contextual situation. Practical implications – The work has developed materials to-date that could be used by practitioners that are engaged with productivity improvement interventions. Social implications – Resistance and its wider implications to any change intervention has organisational and social impacts. Therefore this work brings insightful information to support change in its wider application. Originality/value – Today’s competitive, uncertain and fast-paced economic environment requires organisations to change in order to maintain or develop their competitive advantage. This paper combines numerous theories, frameworks and methodologies to successfully manage and overcome resistance in order gain acceptance and meet the desired needs.