Change, resistance, and the organizational immune system

The human body has built-in immune systems that protect it from foreign objects, such as strange bacteria and viruses. Generally, this is a good thing. But the immune system can also fail, or misjudge the nature of the threat, or attack the body it is supposed to defend. Likewise, individuals and or...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inS.A.M. advanced management journal (1984) Vol. 74; no. 4; p. 4
Main Authors Gilley, Ann, Godek, Marisha, Gilley, Jerry W
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Corpus Christi Emerald Group Publishing, Ltd 22.09.2009
Society for the Advancement of Management
Subjects
Analysis
Corporate culture
Employee involvement
Foreign bodies
Human body
Immune system
Innovations
Leadership
Management of change
Organizational change
United States
United States > US
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Summary:The human body has built-in immune systems that protect it from foreign objects, such as strange bacteria and viruses. Generally, this is a good thing. But the immune system can also fail, or misjudge the nature of the threat, or attack the body it is supposed to defend. Likewise, individuals and organizations often feel secure with the status quo; they feel they are in control. Change can threaten this and is often strongly resisted, even when resistance may be detrimental, if not fatal, to the organization. To survive in a competitive world, managements can take steps to create a culture that accepts or embraces change. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0749-7075
0567-977X