Understanding Change Management: Can It Address Both Flexible Work Hours and Sexual Harassment?

Hey!

Change management is a program designed to help employees adapt to the changes introduced in the organization and assist them in overcoming their resistance towards it.

Q1: Does it also include the physical aspect of change? For example, the introduction of flexible time to facilitate change? Or is it only about the behavioral aspect, such as coping with change and shifting mindset?

Q2: Can sexual harassment be addressed by a change management program? Can employees be educated and made aware through change management initiatives? Does change management play a role in reducing such incidents in an organization?

It is very urgent. Someone, please help!

Deepti Mohan (Student - PM&HR)

Hi Deepti,

Yes , you are right..but its easier said than done..

There are three Basic Definitions

*The task of managing change.

*An area of professional practice.

*A body of knowledge.

The content or subject matter of change management is drawn from psychology, sociology, business administration, economics, industrial engineering, systems engineering and the study of human and organizational behavior.

A1:- Physical change..its a misnomer to use this word..its more got to do with mindset & behavioral change..

A2: yes, by making a clear cut policy be implementing the same in right spirit..should be applicable to all...it works well ..if the senior management is pulled up on account of misdemeanour...then it percolates to all levels..otherwise Infosysis incident will be repeated..

Change as a “Why” Problem

Ends and means are relative notions, not absolutes; that is, something is an end or a means only in relation to something else. Thus, chains and networks of ends-means relationships often have to be traced out before one finds the “true” ends of a change effort. In this regard, “why” questions prove extremely useful.

Consider the following hypothetical dialogue with yourself as an illustration of tracing out ends-means relationships.

Why do people need to be more creative?

I'll tell you why! Because we have to change the way we do things and we need ideas about how to do that.

Why do we have to change the way we do things?

Because they cost too much and take too long.

Why do they cost too much?

Because we pay higher wages than any of our competitors.

Why do we pay higher wages than our competitors?

Because our productivity used to be higher, too, but now it's not.

Eureka! The true aim is to improve productivity!

No it isn't; keep going.

Cheerio

Rajat

Why does productivity need to be improved?

To increase profits.

Why do profits need to be increased?

To improve earnings per share.

Why do earnings per share need to be improved?

To attract additional capital.

Why is additional capital needed?

We need to fund research aimed at developing the next generation of products.

Why do we need a new generation of products?

Because our competitors are rolling them out faster than we are and gobbling up market share.

Oh, so that's why we need to reduce cycle times.

Hmm. Why do things take so long?

Q1: Does it also include the physical aspect of change? For example, the introduction of flexi-time to overcome change, or is it only about the behavioral aspect, i.e., coping with change and a shift in mindset?

Deepti, as you have expressed, if the organization has decided to change policies/systems/processes, a change management program will be put in place. It will include all aspects of change management for it to be effective. For a "change" to introduce a flexi-time policy, one of the "Change management" points will be ensuring employees don't take advantage. Since this change is a move from the norm to a more employee-responsive and inclusive effort, you will need a shift in the mindset of managers as well.

Q2: Can sexual harassment be dealt with by a change management program? i.e., can the employees be made aware? Does change management play a role in reducing such incidents in an organization?

Yes, you will have to institute policies on misconduct and the process on warning and termination. Alternatively, you will need to train managers on WHAT is considered sexual harassment. From a subtle remark to asking for sexual favors, it's a delicate area that requires awareness of the 'What' and the consequences. The harasser is mostly seen with people in authority (managers/boss) and usually engaged in give-and-take (favors for promotion, hike, etc). Because of the sensitive nature of the issue, most employees may not voice themselves and continue to be victimized. With awareness and training, it surely can be reduced.

Hi,

I am attaching a sample policy for Sexual Harassment for reference.

Cheerio,
Rajat

Hey!

Change management is a program designed to help employees adapt to the changes introduced in the organization and also assist them in overcoming their resistance towards it.

Q1: Does it also include the physical aspect of change? For example, the introduction of flexi-time to facilitate change, or is it only about the behavioral aspect i.e., coping with change and a shift in mindset?

Q2: Can sexual harassment be addressed by a change management program? In other words, can employees be made aware of it? Does change management play a role in reducing such incidents in an organization?

It is very urgent! Someone, please help!

Deepti Mohan (Student - PM & HR)

The phenomenon first of all needs proper diagnosis to address. The categories are:

A- surfaced
a. fake
b. gray
c. real
B. Tolerated.

Can you say what is the percentage in which category? No. The situation is murky. So it is better to treat the workplace ethos itself.

Regards