Question

In terms of the change model (unfreezing, change, and refreezing) what internal and external forces might resist each of the following: instituting mandatory diversity training for all employees, appointing a chief diversity officer, initiating applications for diversity awards, or establishing a phased retirement program?

Answer 1

1. Instituting mandatory diversity training for all employees

• Unfreeze: prepares the organization and its employees for the change i.e. inclusion of diversity training program
  • Internal factor: Business process change
• Change: The change is embraced i.e. diversity training has been designed and implemented
  • Internal factors: Employee inhibitions
  • External factor: Technology change
• Refreeze: people have embraced the change i.e. employees have undergone the training and have learnt the importance of diversity
  • Internal factor: Personal bias
  • External factors: Social condition of diversity in the society

2. Appointing a chief diversity officer

• Unfreeze: prepares the organization structure to accommodate the post
  • Internal factor: Organization restructuring

• Change: The change is embraced i.e. chief diversity officer has been appointed
  • Internal factors: Employee inhibitions, Personal Bias
• Refreeze: The change has been embraced i.e. CDO has started working in the company
  • Internal factor: Employee inhibitions

3. Initiating applications for diversity awards

• Unfreeze: prepares the organization and its employees for the change i.e. preparing the organization to accept the criteria and send nominations
  • Internal factor: Business process change, Employee inhibitions
• Change: The change is embraced i.e. people have started sending their nominations
  • Internal factors: Personal bias
  • External factor: Competitor’s policy
• Refreeze: people have embraced the change i.e. employees have sent their nominations and its time to announce the awards
  • Internal factor: Personal bias, Group speculations