An Evaluation of Resistance to Organisational Change And Its Effect on Employee Productivity: The Case of Telecom Namibia

ABSTRACT 

Change has become important and unavoidable in today’s business environment. The dynamic business environment of today requires organisations to be continuously changing their systems and structures for survival and in order to remain competitive. However, many change initiatives face big challenges and have a low success rate. The study was conducted to evaluate the resistance to organisational change and its effect on employee productivity at Telecom Namibia. The purpose of the study was to find out the nature of the resistance to change and the factors which cause resistance to change, as well as to know the strategies implemented to counter and manage the resistance to change. The study also sought to find out how employee productivity was affected when there was resistance to change. Qualitative methodology, in the form of a case study, was used to collect data. Twenty two interviews were conducted at Telecom Namibia head office with both managerial and non-managerial employees. Findings showed that employees understood the importance of change. However, resistance emanated mainly because of lack of communication, lack of participation and involvement of employees, concerns about lack of skills and capabilities and fear of moving from their current position to a new position and new systems. Findings also revealed that employee productivity was not affected during the resistance to change. Communication, leadership and management support and commitment, employee participation and involvement are central to the success of overcoming resistance and managing change.