Change Management An Evaluation of the OD Approach to Change

Change may occur in a number of ways, reflecting practical differences in the way it is implemented as well as the attitudes of management in the implementation. The current fashion in management literature, reflecting the predominant management theories is the utilization of organizational development values, with a softer and more humane approach to change management. This approach may be seen as contrasting significantly with the harder approaches to change management, often argued as the more favourable approach, but it is not always the best approach.

In order to appreciate when the OD approach is beneficial, and harder approach may be more useful it is necessary to examine both models and consider their application. To appreciate the differences a useful approach can be achieved by looking at Beer and Nohria (2000a,...

This alignment may be argued as existing as softer OD models, including Theory O, take into account the human elements of change and the way this may impact on different stakeholders (Stonehill and Dullum, 1990, p254). It is argued that this model still pays attention to the financial…