MBA 755 - Reflections on Module 4 Concepts

Which of the change models you were introduced to seems to make sense to you? Why?

Of the three that we reviewed, the empirical-rational model and the normative-reeducation model both seem to make the most sense. I agree with the assumption that people, for the most part, are rational thinkers. If an idea for renewal is presented with the understanding that the idea just “makes sense” from a rational thinking perspective, people are generally going to work to achieve the idea for renewal.

What criteria seem to be particularly appropriate for use in selecting an option for organizational renewal? How could your choice of criteria vary if the organization was a non-profit? A unit of government? A for-profit enterprise?

In my opinion, the most important criteria to consider is how the renewal fits in to the company mission and vision. Even if an idea is new and invigorating, if it is totally against the plans for the company, it really serves no purpose. This holds true for all sectors. Other criteria that can come into play include the capabilities and resources of the company… can it handle the renewal effort? What kind of costs will be involved with rolling out the renewal? Will they be recouped in the process? What are the people in the company like in terms of change acceptance? Will they adjust or fight? Finally, is the renewal effort one that is sustainable?

In what ways does the renewal stage apply to a project instead of an organization?

Projects have lifecycles similar to that of organizations. A project has a creation phase and goes all the way to completion, if it’s a successful project.
Projects can often get stalled along the way, though, by many internal and external factors in the business. Just as an organization may need renewal of its products to keep going, so also a project may need methods for rejuvenation. Finding ways to encourage those involved in the project to get back on track may require looking at multiple sources for renewal, just like an organization’s renewal.

What are some other ways to make the renewal option choice other than by comparison against pre-selected criteria? Under what conditions may these ways be preferable?

Sometimes it could simply be a “gut-feeling”, although it’s not recommended. Sometimes a renewal option could also be forced on the business, either by merger/takeover or possibly a change in command. In a situation like this, power is used to force a renewal option, whether or not it has been tested against any other benchmark. This may be a preferable scenario in the situation where a company is failing because of poor leadership and the new leadership does not have time to review options. They are simply brought in as change agents and have a plan of what must be accomplished.

What traps await the renewal option decision maker?

Preconceived ideas. The decision maker needs to utilize tools available to him/her in order to review all aspects of the decision before it is made. Making a decision because it is a preconceived notion without having all the facts can result in failure of the renewal plan.

How does the process of making renewal options apply to your own life?

In terms of my business, I am involved with some marketing functions. We have product lines that are quite mature and require refreshing every so often to interest new customers. Having a proper perspective on renewal can definitely provide me with better insight when reviewing new marketing ideas.

As to personal life,pursuing my MBA is one way of having a renewal option. It will allow me to create a transformational strategy, giving me a way to introduce a new product to new markets.

October 21, 2007 | Filed Under MBA 755 

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