Question

Managing Change (7th edition)

Answer the following questions:

Q2. Contingency Theory offers a better way of managing change than either the Classical or Human Relations approaches. Identify and discuss the different perspectives on managing change offered by Contingency Theory (Ch.3, 10), the Classical approach (Ch.2) and the Human Relations approach (Ch.3). Evaluate the benefits offered by Contingency Theory’s ability to adapt to situational factors.

Answer 1

Answer: The different perspective of the change management under different theories are as below:

a. Contingency theory of change management: This theory believes in the adoption of the change strategy as per the current situation and business environmental condition. The proponents of this theory believe that the organizations and people do change over time and using one type of change strategy may not be the optimum fit during the different time periods and under different external environmental conditions.

b. The classic approach of change management: This approach is more of autocratic and top to the down approach of change management. The leader of the organization directs the people as to what has to be done to bring the change. However, this approach has been criticized for its own demerits and weakening of human relations in the organization.

c. Human Relations approach: This theory is based on the assumption and reliance on change management and its effectiveness depends on the type of relations people in the organizations. The quality of change will also be dependent on the type of relationship people have within the organization.

Among all the approaches the contingency theory proves to be more useful because it does take the concern of the external environment which is very important in order to decide on the change strategy and the impact of the change management on the people and organization. without consideration of external factors, the classical approach and human relations approach become weak and less effective.