LEADERSHIP OF CHANGE

Referring to relevant theories, critically discuss how this passage relates to the leadership of change



Referring to relevant theories, critically discuss how this passage relates to the leadership of change

Introduction

This passage relates to leadership of change in the perspective that a leader has to change his/her strategies according to his/her employees. As the passage states for the very people who had opened the gates to the French King, when they found themselves deceived in their expectations and hopes of future benefits, could not put up with the insolence of their new ruler. The same thing implies at organization level.

Implementing any changes in an organizations structure can and is a risky process that takes patience and careful planning. During a change, a company must consider what employees and executives are assets to the company and which are liabilities. Another consideration that companies must make is, what type of leadership style these executives will need in order to move the organization forward with the transformation. Throughout the beginning stages of change, a company will find employees who will accept the change, some who will resist the change, and some employees that are indecisive about the change. Rewarding staff with recognition is a common way to bring about change and is recognized as a strategy in encouraging employees to make the necessary shifts to better help the organizational needs and interests (Yukl, 2006). A company must decide what leadership structure will be used and what leadership styles the executives will be made of. “Effective leadership style is now the single most important antecedent in maintaining competitive advantage and in supporting firm performances” (Byrnes & Bradley, 2007, p. 168). Developing such a structure helps employees build alliances which in turn gives the organization that opportunity to gain employees trust. This alliance of management and employees will listen to each other, giving the executives what they need to know before making decisions that will directly impact the company. According to Heifetz and Linsky (2002), “Leaders need partners”. And partners who are members of the faction for whom the change is most difficult can be especially significant (Heifetz & Linsky, 2002).

Discussion

As mentioned earlier, implementing a change strategy in any organization is a demanding process that takes time and careful consideration. “Rewarding staff with recognition is a common way to enable change and is recognized as a strategy in encouraging employees to make necessary shifts to suit organizational needs and interests”. (Byrnes & Bradley, 2007, p. 171)

“Research has called for organizations to be more flexible, adaptive, entrepreneurial, and innovative in meeting the changing demands of today's environment. Appropriate leadership to effect such change is required; however, there has been little empirical analysis of the theoretical relationships among the key components that make up such change strategy, including transformational leadership, organizational culture, and organizational innovation” (Sarros, Cooper, & Santora, 2008, pg.145). Any type of change of this magnitude will always have a direct impact of the organizations culture. Having an impact on the culture generally means that ...