Question

In Theory of Management, Is all resistance negative? Why or why not, explain your answer and provide an example using the 5-S model

Answer 1

No, I do not believe that all Resistance shown is bad. Resistance is a good source and it shows all the loopholes that exists in the process and also the contents of the change helping the proposers of the change to consider their activities in a more thoroughfied manner. This could be well understood with the 5 S model:

1. Sort: Sort means to keep only the important and essential items for the workplace. For example, if we are bringing a new working machine for better production and people are resisting the same usage of the machine, it means we are not able to make them understand how important this change is. Thus, resistance would let us sort this out to show them how importan this machine is for better productivity.

2. Set In Order: This means that all items have their own designated places and are placed right in the order. Thus, if the machine is being resisted for the use, it means we are not being able to place it with the most effective department or function where the same machine would be used for better utilisation options. Resistance lets us consider our options again and take better steps.

3. Shine: This helps to ensure the workplace is clean and effective as a clean workplace would be a better and productive workplace. Thus, the same resistance would let us consider that people are not motivated to use it because of the surroundings. The surroundings are then made desirable and better to make sure the machine stands out to look as a better option to use. Resistance helps in designing and conveying passion when channeled properly.

4. Standardise: This helps to make sure how the standards are being achieved and everything is performed with a correct manner. The resistance would let us show that how this new machine would work in achieving our standards better, objectives better and thus giving them the rationale they want, we can convey and show how this is a better option. Resistance makes the change more effective.

5. Sustain: At last, sustain means to make sure all the above activities are continuous and higher continuity could be achieved for the business. The resistance would let us make a whole strategy, communicate the strategy and implement and show the employees to understand and be flexible for this change. Making this as a trial version, employees would try using the machine and would then understand the benefits of the same. This would help to make them understand flexibility is important and more sustainability could be achieved by the business.