Managing Transitions by Managing the Informal Organization

Abstract

Managing organizational change is an exciting, challenging, frustrating and humbling experience. The most carefully developed plans soon bear little resemblance to the current operating reality as the exponential impact of the change occurs. Rapid growth, downsizing or merging seem to have lives of their own. Executive management often seems to become so overwhelmed trying to manage this change process that they deny the many reports of confusion and bewilderment within the organization. Their retreat simply exacerbates an already chaotic situation.