Almost 500 years ago, Machiavelli wrote in The Prince, It must be considered that there is nothing more difficult to carry out, nor more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to handle, than to initiate a new order of things. This statement is as applicable today as it was in 1520. Implementing organizational change is one of the most demanding assignments that any executive faces. It has been suggested that every change requires three steps: unfreezing the current situation, implementing the change, and refreezing the effected change. This view, however, lacks the specific details needed by an operating manager who must initiate the change.

Required a. Identify and describe the specific steps a manager must take to implement an organizational change.

b. Suppose an organization does make a change that affects employees directly or affects how they conduct their operations.

1. Explain why employees generally resist change.

2. Outline and describe the ways a manager can reduce the resistance to change.