Essay On Change Agents

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Recommended: Impact of change in organizations

Everything in our world is changing, from technology to marketing to distribution to capital markets. Although it’s not always shifting in the same direction, it is changing faster than ever before. These turbulent times call for individuals with the foresight and insight to guide individuals, employees, and organizations along an often overwhelming and daunting road, while providing guidance and support along the way. Although there are many definitions of what a change agent is, generally, it is agreed that a change agent is an individual or a group who works with processes, physiological effects, and innovative decision making (Ottaway, 1983). This change can occur within an individual, organization, or society (Ottaway, 1983). Change agents can be internal, for instance, managers or employees who are selected to supervise the change process. The hierarchical nature of traditional organizations is left behind in favor of training those who have the ability to oversee change (Lunenburg, 2010). Changes are not always internal. Often employed are external consultants. External consultants are typically not bound by the organization’s culture, bureaucracy, or values, therefore, they are able to bring a unique perspective to the situation and question the status quo. Regardless of whether they are internal or external, successful change agents must have a true understanding of the nature of change and how it affects organizations. There is a deep connection between ‘leading and changing’ the organization. The role of the change agent is imperative for everyone being affected to understand in order to ensure that the change occurs comfortable and effectively. The need for individuals who can lead with this perspective, navigate th...

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... comprise the steps leading to how the goal can be accomplished. The elements of each competency fit together as a mutually reinforcing system and combine to produce change agents upon their successful completion.
Changing a culture is a major enterprise, and eventually all of the organizational tools necessary for successful change will have to be utilized to help create urgency and meaning for those involved. However, the order in which they are deployed has a critical impact on the probability of success. The AOD graduate program offers a plan of action to enable students to not only acquire the tools to affect change, but also to understand when and how to use them. While we will attempt to offer some recommendations as a means to fine tune the program, we are aware of its robustness and effectiveness at training students to become triumphant change agents.

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