Online Managing Conflict and Change
Who are some of the people that the term, “OD Practitioner†applies to and what is a way they apply it in their capacity?
What is a change agent? Why is a change agent important?
Find an article from one of the following sources which discusses organizational change. Reference the source and article.
Review 2 other postings and provide substantial comment.
• Business Week: http://www.businessweek.com/
• Economist: http://www.economist.com/
• Fast Company Magazine http://www.fastcompany.com/
• Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/
• Fortune: http://www.fortune.com/fortune/
MGMT435:7:Online Strategic Management and Planning
BOOK: Strategic Management: Theory & Cases: An Integrated Approach, by Charles W. L. Hill; Melissa A. Schilling; Gareth R. Jones, 14th Edition.
Review Questions Chapter 1 and 2
Chapter 1 -
1. What do we mean by strategy? How is a business model different from a strategy?
2. What do you think are the sources of sustained superior profitability?
3. What are the strengths of formal strategic planning? What are its weaknesses?
Chapter 2 -
1. Under what environmental conditions are price wars most likely to occur in an industry? What are the implications of price wars for a company? How should a company try to deal with the threat of a price war?
2. Discuss the competitive forces model with reference to what you know about the U.S. airline industry (see the Opening Case). What does the model tell you about the level of competition in this industry?
3. Identify a growth industry, a mature industry, and a declining industry. For each industry, identify the following: (a) the number and size distribution of companies, (b) the nature of barriers to entry, (c) the height of barriers to entry, and (d) the extent of product differentiation. What do these factors tell you about the nature of competition in each industry? What are the implications for the company in terms of opportunities and threats?
Please use APA - 7 Format
Discussion Questions Chapter 3
1. What are the primary implications of the material discussed in this chapter for strategy formulation?
2. When is a company’s competitive advantage most likely to be sustained over time?
3. It is possible for a company to be the lowest-cost producer in its industry and simultaneously have an output that is most valued by customers. Discuss this statement.
4. Why is it important to understand the drivers of profitability as measured by the return on invested capital?
5. Which is more important in explaining the success and failure of companies: strategizing to create valuable resources, or luck?
Sample Solution
OD Practitioners and Change Agents
OD Practitioners:
The term "OD Practitioner" applies to a variety of professionals who specialize in helping organizations implement positive change. Here are some key groups:
- Internal Consultants: These professionals are employed directly by an organization and work within the company to facilitate change initiatives. They may have backgrounds in human resources, organizational psychology, or business administration.
Full Answer Section
- External Consultants: These consultants provide expertise to organizations on a contract basis. They offer a fresh perspective and can bring best practices from various industries.
- Line Managers: Many managers, particularly at senior levels, play a role in driving organizational change. They may champion new initiatives, remove roadblocks, and motivate employees to embrace change.
How OD Practitioners Apply Their Skills:
OD practitioners utilize various strategies to help organizations navigate change. Some common approaches include:
- Diagnosis: They assess the current state of the organization, identifying areas for improvement and potential challenges to change.
- Intervention Design and Implementation: They design and implement interventions tailored to the specific needs of the organization. This could involve workshops, team-building exercises, or process improvement initiatives.
- Change Management: They guide the organization through the change process, addressing resistance, fostering communication, and ensuring a smooth transition.
- Evaluation: They assess the effectiveness of the change effort and recommend adjustments as needed.
Change Agents:
A change agent is anyone who initiates, sponsors, or supports change within an organization. This can include OD practitioners, managers, employees, or even external forces like new regulations or technological advancements.
Importance of Change Agents:
Change agents play a crucial role in organizational success. Here's why:
- Overcoming Inertia: Organizations often resist change due to fear of the unknown or ingrained habits. Change agents provide the impetus and guidance needed to move forward.
- Managing Resistance: Change can be disruptive. Change agents help address employee concerns, build buy-in, and minimize resistance.
- Building Momentum: Change can be a long-term process. Change agents keep the momentum going, ensuring the initiative stays on track.
- Creating a Culture of Adaptability: In today's dynamic environment, organizations need to be adaptable. Change agents help foster a culture that embraces change and continuous improvement.
Article on Organizational Change:
Source: Forbes https://www.forbes.com/
Article Title: The 5 Leadership Styles You Need to Navigate Change (August 10, 2023) by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves [Link the article if possible, but avoid including private information like email addresses].
This article explores five leadership styles crucial for navigating organizational change effectively. These styles include:
- The Visionary: Articulates a compelling vision for the future and inspires employees to embrace change.
- The Coach: Provides support, guidance, and development opportunities to help employees adapt to change.
- The Collaborator: Encourages open communication, fosters teamwork, and builds consensus around change initiatives.
- The Influencer: Uses persuasion and negotiation skills to win over stakeholders and secure buy-in for change.
- The Stabilizer: Provides a sense of security and stability during periods of change, helping to manage uncertainty and anxiety.
Review of Other Postings
Unfortunately, I cannot access and review specific postings within your class discussion board due to privacy restrictions. However, I can offer some general guidelines for reviewing your classmates' posts:
- Content: Look for the following aspects in their responses:
- Clear definition of OD practitioner and change agent roles.
- Examples of how OD practitioners apply their skills in real-world scenarios.
- Explanation of the importance of change agents and their impact on organizational success.
- Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure their writing is easy to understand and avoids unnecessary jargon.
- Structure and Organization: See if their responses are well-structured and logically organized.
- Source Analysis: If they mention an article on organizational change, evaluate the credibility of the source and the relevance of the information to the discussion topic.
By following these guidelines, you can provide constructive feedback and enhance the overall quality of the class discussion.