People resist change for several reasons: they prefer routines, fear the unknown implications of change, and worry it will negatively impact their work or family lives. Proper communication from management and incentives can help employees transition more smoothly to new changes, which are inevitable for businesses to adapt to evolving economic conditions. Support from top leadership, monetary programs, and open discussion of goals between managers and employees may reduce resistance to organizational change.

1. Why Do You Think People Resist Change?
The adage, ‘Change is the only constant’ is true since most people resist change. They prefer to live their
lives, professional or personal, dictated by a routine. Even a slight change in their routines is not
appreciated. Similarly, if changes for betterment of a company are proposed, many employees resent
those changes. This holds true especially with long term employees of an organization. It is human nature
to choose a stable and predictable environment where all change seems unnatural. Though change is
inevitable, people fear it because of:
• Their incapability to understand change and its implications
• Their belief that change is irrelevant and inappropriate
• Their difficulty in coping with the level and pace of work after the change
• Their unfounded notion that change is a temporary phase
• Their perspective that their superiors regard them as incompetent, hence instituting change
• A lack of authority or control
• A lack of faith in their ability to learn new skills
• The feeling of too much happening too soon
• The staff’s aversion to some managers/superiors and total distrust in them
• Job insecurity
• A compromise on their salary
• The feeling that this would impinge on their family time
• The belief that the organization does not require the much-needed extra effort
• The fear that in accepting change one may prove to be unfaithful to the traditional way of working
• The fear that any change would highlight the weakness of employees in the new environment
• Being burdened with more responsibilities, irrespective of the current workload
• The ill-feeling which would result from a senior staff member reporting to managers or superiors
younger to them
• Mistrust amongst managers and employees
• Reluctance to use new technology to simplify work processes
• Resistance from unions who harbor ulterior motives
• A lack of proper communication channels between the management and employees
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2. Sometimes it makes me wonder whether it is possible to overcome resistance to organizational change. I
think that proper and effective communication with employees will definitely help them transition to new
changes. Other factors which drive change are:
• Strong support to employees from top level management
• Monetary or incentive programs for work performance
• Open door policy between brass level management and employees
• Encourage meetings between managers and employees involved in the power game to discuss
goals and tactics.
There is no doubt that change is important for today’s business. As new facets of economy evolve,
organizations have to keep themselves a step ahead of the curve or suffer and crash.
On a subjective note, I end this blog. Please do share your thoughts on this.
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