Read the following case study and then answer the questions
SASOL CHANGES MOVE THROUGH THE RANKS
The restructuring that has caused energy and Petrochemicals Company Sasol to abolish the positions of 200 senior managers has now moved to lower structures of the company. Though unionised employees will be shielded from forced retrenchments,
the full effect on jobs will be known only once the restructuring is complete in June. The restructuring was now moving down to the next level of managers below senior, and then to all employees, said Elton Fortuin, Sasol’s acting vice-president for communications
QUESTION
Define the term organisational change.
Organizational change refers to the process of implementing changes within a company by changing attitudes, perceptions, behaviours and expectations to improve its effectiveness, adapt to external market conditions, or address internal challenges.
In general, the aim of organizational change is to boost productivity by shaping the attitudes, perceptions, behaviors, and expectations of individuals within the organization as explained below
Attitudes
Attitudes refer to the beliefs and feelings that employees have towards their work, colleagues, and the organization as a whole. Organizational change initiatives often aim to shift attitudes towards innovation, collaboration, or customer-centricity. For example, by introducing a new performance management system that emphasizes feedback and development, companies can change employees’ attitudes towards performance.
Perceptions
Perceptions relate to how individuals interpret and make sense of their environment within the organization. Organizational change initiatives often aim to alter perceptions about various aspects such as leadership, company values, or work-life balance. For instance, transparent communication practices can be implemented to change employees’ perceptions about management’s openness and trustworthiness.
Behaviours
Behaviors are the actions and interactions that employees engage in within the organization. Organizational change efforts often target behaviors to align them with desired outcomes or values. For example, if a company wants to foster an inclusive culture, it might introduce training programs on unconscious bias to encourage employees to change their behaviour towards more inclusive actions.
Expectations
Expectations refer to what employees anticipate from their roles, the organization, and their career growth. Organizational change may involve clarifying expectations, resetting them to align with new strategic directions, or managing changes in employee expectations during transitions such as mergers or restructuring. For instance, during a merger, clear communication and support programs may be necessary to manage employees’ expectations regarding job security and career advancement opportunities.