There are different kinds of organizational change. Some changes are about introducing new processes, some are about technological up-gradation and some changes are about complete transformation of identity of an organization.
One of key factors that contributes to success of change is that what type of change management strategy is applied by organizational leaders.
A good change management strategy is key to ensuring that any transition is seamless and successful.
Similarly like type of organizational change, there are the different types of change management strategies. And it is the crucial for any change leaders to pick the right strategy which corresponds to their need.
Here, we’ll outline some of the key types of change management strategies, what are their advantages and what are disadvantages.
Lets have a closer look at those strategies.
What is change management strategy?
A change management strategy is a plan that helps organizations deal with transitions effectively. This strategy focuses on minimizing resistance to change and maximizing employee productivity during periods of change.
A change management strategy is a roadmap that includes objectives and purpose of change, key stakeholders, identification of resources, timeline to achieve key milestones, budget and workflows.
Types of change management strategy
There are several different types of change management strategies, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The right one strategy for your organization will depend on the specific situation of organizational change.
The most common types of change management strategies are:
1. The planned approach
The planned approach is the most common type of strategy and is typically used for small, well-defined changes. It is the the top down strategy in which the management team makes a decision and then communicates it to employees.
This approach is best used when the changes are small and well-defined.
The advantage of this approach is that it is easy to implement and usually results in little disruption.
The disadvantage of this approach is that it can be inflexible and may not work well in situations where the changes are large or complex.
2. The laissez-faire approach
The laissez-faire approach is the opposite of the planned approach, and is characterized by a hands-off management style. The laissez-faire approach is less common and is typically used in situations where there is a need for creativity and innovation.
In this type of strategy, employees are given the freedom to implement changes as they see fit. This approach is best used in situations where there is a need for creativity and innovation.
- The advantage of this approach is that it allows employees to be more creative and innovative.
- The disadvantage of this approach is that it can be chaotic and may not result in the desired changes.
3. The incremental approach
The incremental approach is a gradual change management strategy that involves making small changes over time. This approach is best used when the changes are large and complex, and when there is a need for employee buy-in.
This can be an effective way to slowly introduce new ideas or processes and allow employees to adjust gradually.
However, there are also some disadvantages to this approach. For example, it can be difficult to implement large-scale changes using an incremental approach, and it can also take longer for employees to adjust to the new way of doing things. As a result, it is important to carefully consider all of the options before choosing a change management strategy.
4. The radical approach
The radical approach is a change management strategy that involves making sweeping changes all at once. This approach is best used when the changes are small and well defined, and when there is a need for immediate results.
The advantages of a radical approach in change management strategy are:
- It can be more effective in achieving large-scale change.
- It can create a sense of urgency and excitement around the change.
- It can help to break down resistance to change.
The disadvantages of a radical approach in change management strategy are:
- It can be disruptive to the organization.
- It can be expensive and time-consuming.
- It may not be very effective in the long run.
5. The transformational approach
The transformational approach is a change management strategy that focuses on creating a vision for the future and then mobilizing employees to achieve it. This approach is best used when the changes are large and complex, and when there is a need for long-term sustainability.
The advantages of this approach are:
- It is less likely to cause resistance among employees, since it focuses on making gradual changes that are easier to accept.
- It is more flexible and can be adapted to the specific needs of an organization.
- It is less disruptive to business operations, since it does not require employees to make sudden or drastic changes to their work habits.
The disadvantages of this approach are:
6. The developmental approach
The developmental approach is a change management strategy that focuses on employee development and training. This approach is best used when the changes are large and complex, and when there is a need for long-term sustainability.
This approach is about gradual improvement in existing situation of organizational business, knowledge, skills and expertise.
There are many advantages of this approach. First, the outcome is predictable if we use this approach. Because it is all about relying on existing process and procedures. Nothing new is suggested and no big risks are taken if we adopt this approach to change management.
Another advantage of this approach is that since scope of change is limited or on small scale so change is easy to manage and there will be minimum resistance from employees and stakeholders.
Final Words
Picking right strategy to execute change is a tough undertaking. A good strategy puts you on right path and achieve desired change. But when change is complex and you have different types of change management strategies with you then it would be hard to decide on this question. But if it is done rightly then navigating through change process would become much easier and chances of success are also higher.
