Factors that Influence Organisational Changes: A case study of River Island

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

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ABSTRACT

This research explains the concept of organisational change. Organisational change if affected by various factors, divided into two categories: Internal Factors and External Factors. This research is based on studying the factors that influence organisational change. Furthermore, the research is based on the case study of River Island store. The store is famous for its outstanding designs and denim products. By interviewing the frontline employees and managers of the organisations, the impact of internal and external factors was analysed. Furthermore, the study highlighted costs, customers focus, employees' performance, cultural factors, environmental factors, technological factors and competitive factors to be the major factors affecting organisational change.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background1

Research Aims and Objectives2

Significance of the Study2

Research Question3

Scope of the Study3

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW4

Introduction4

Organisational Change4

Internal Factors Influencing Organisational Changes7

Performance of employees7

Customer Focus9

Costs12

External Factors Influencing Organisational Changes13

Environmental Factors14

Technological Factors15

Cultural Factors16

Competitive factors18

Summary20

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY21

Introduction21

Research Design21

Qualitative Methods22

Case Study23

Data Collection Methods24

Literature Search25

Secondary Data26

Sample27

Data Analysis27

Informed Consent28

Confidentiality28

Summary29

CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION30

Interview Findings30

Internal Factors30

Front-Line Employees Perception30

Manager's Perception31

External Factors34

Front-Line Employee's Perception34

Manager's Perception36

Summary39

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION40

Introduction40

Key Findings of the research40

Employee's perception on the influences of organisational changes40

Internal Factors influencing organisational change41

External Factors influencing organisational change42

Summary43

Limitations and Recommendations44

Recommendations for change managements44

REFERENCES45

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background

River Island is one of Britain's best known high street fashion brands and can be found in most cities across the UK. The brand also has stores in Singapore, Turkey, Poland, Ireland, the Netherlands, and the Middle East.

The company was set up in 1948 by brothers David Lewis and Bernard Lewis, operating from a small shop in London trading as Lewis Separates. River Island's collections are designed by a team of in-house designers.

The history of River Island spans 55 years. As the business increased shops were added under the name of “Lewis Separates” and the focus became ladies clothing. By 1968 there were some 70 stores in the UK and “Lewis Separates” introduced into a few of its stores a brand new concept and name. Innovative in design and format these stores used strong colours, bold fashion imagery and pop music to create “Chelsea Girl,” the first UK chain of fashion boutiques.

With continuing expansion, menswear was introduced in 1983 under the “Concept Man” brand and from 1988 further evolution took the form of the development ofa new brand concept of a themed store offering fashion for men and women. The new brand was called “River Island” and today the product range includes men's and women's clothing and footwear, accessories and cosmetics. A dedicated in-house design and sourcing team creates fashionable, stylish and quality clothing representing ...