Question

Select a change scenario (e.g., restructuring, raises, layoffs, new IT system, new CEO, recession, etc.) and describe the elements that might be used to communicate the change effectively using the concepts and practices from the textbook. (You are not limited to your work environment – choose any change scenario you wish.)

Answer 1

Let us take a change scenario that pertains to the layoff in an Organization. If layoffs are inevitable, it could be ethical to fire the employees by email and/or text messages only when the employees are anticipating such an action coming their way. A sudden out-of-the-blue e-mail, carrying a ‘Firing message’ could have a potential negative impact upon the minds of the employees. They may not be aware of the same before and hence could not even possible make up their minds to look for other job opportunities that are available in the markets.

Therefore, my strategy to convey negative messages to employees like in this case of retrenchment, etc. would be to reach out to them with the issues that concern the Company to further its relations with such employees. A face-to-face interaction, either on the virtual modes of communication or in person or a telephonic conversation in recorded form, could be essential in reaching out to the employees effective without any possible scope of revolt from the employee’s end. Oral communications support the written formal modes of communications. It helps in availing instant feedback and accordingly designing the written form of the formal communication to support such serious actions. Hence this shall be my strategy that is to orally communicate and discuss with the employees about the grounds on which the lay-offs are essential before formally sending away mails to them, thereby forming the elements that I might use to communicate the change effectively.