IOP4867 Assignment 03 (Exceptional Response) Due 3 July 2025

IOP4867
Assignment 03
Due 3 July 2025

,IOP4867

Assignment 03

Due Date: 3 July 2025



Response Based on

Title: Organization Development and Change

Authors: Cummings, T.G. and Worley, C.G.

Year Published: 2020

Study Guide and Lecture Notes




Contents

Introduction.................................................................................................................................................... 2

1. Five Key Elements of Successful Change Management ...................................................................... 2

1.2. Leadership .......................................................................................................................................... 3

1.3. Communication 1.3.1. Processes and Activities ................................................................................ 4

1.4. Employee Involvement ....................................................................................................................... 4

1.5. Evaluation ........................................................................................................................................... 5

2. Bringing It Together and Looking Ahead ............................................................................................... 6

Conclusion..................................................................................................................................................... 7

References .................................................................................................................................................... 8

, Introduction

Change management is a structured approach that enables organizations to manage
significant transitions effectively while maintaining operational stability and preserving
trust among stakeholders. In today’s dynamic environment—driven by technological
innovation, economic shifts, and changing social expectations—the ability to implement
change successfully is more critical than ever. This response critically examines the five
key elements of successful change management, as outlined in Chapter 8 of
Organization Development & Change by Cummings and Worley (2020): vision and
direction, leadership, communication, employee involvement, and evaluation. For each
element, I will explore the processes and activities involved, critically analyze underlying
assumptions and tensions, and provide relevant real-world examples to illustrate their
application. Written in clear language with Harvard-style citations, this discussion aims
to deliver a thorough and insightful analysis suitable for advanced study.

1. Five Key Elements of Successful Change Management

1.1. Vision and Direction
1.1.1. Processes and Activities
Cummings and Worley (2020) describe vision and direction as the foundation of
change, providing a clear and inspiring goal that aligns the organization toward a unified
purpose. The process begins with developing a vision statement that connects to the
organization’s strategic objectives, followed by communicating it to all stakeholders.
Activities include engaging employees to ensure the vision resonates with them and
integrating it into operational planning. For example, Unilever’s Sustainable Living Plan
(2010) set an ambitious goal to double its business size while halving its environmental
impact, embedding sustainability into its strategy (Unilever, 2010).

1.1.2. Critical Analysis
While Cummings and Worley (2020) stress the importance of a shared vision, this
assumes that all stakeholders interpret and embrace it uniformly—an assumption that
may not hold. A vague or disconnected vision can fail to motivate, as Kotter (1995)
warns. Lewin’s Change Management Model further suggests that an “unfreezing” phase