Business Case Studies & Business Publications

Employee Resistance to Change: Is it the...

Kulkarni, Vaibhavi

Case

Employee Resistance to Change: Is it the Message or the Messenger?

Kulkarni, Vaibhavi

IIMA-COMM0022 | Published March 26, 2019 | 5 pages Case

Collection: Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

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Learning Objectives

The case revolves around a change initiative introduced in the Indian division of a US-based organization operating in the field of building and composite glass materials. The case has been written from the perspective of Sreenath, who has recently joined as the country head, and has identified a four-point change agenda as part of his aggressive growth strategy. These changes pertain to shift in market focus, revised annual targets, reorganization of the sales and marketing vertical and revised compensation structure with increase in variable pay. However, Sreenath’s communication with his team regarding the changes indicates that he is likely to face resistance during change implementation.

Understand how framing of change communication can facilitate creation of positive climate for change; Discuss the implications of communication strategies used for planning, announcing and implementing change; Explicate the factors leading to change resistance and the need to attend to employee ‘voice’ during change.