Skip to main content

Managing Employee’s Resistance to Change: A Conceptual Model Based on Human Capital Perspective

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Entrepreneurship, Business and Economics - Vol. 1

Part of the book series: Eurasian Studies in Business and Economics ((EBES,volume 3/1))

Abstract

Intellectual capital seems a matter of focus for the global economic environment, by being the most important part of company’s value. Change’s consequences forced the organizations to adapt. The latest financial crisis has faced change’s urgency and reality. Resistance to change should be understood as a normal reaction, because change determines employees to feel insecure. This insecurity directly affects the most important component of company’s IC: Human Capital. The aim of this paper is to investigate the problem of employees’ resistance to change and to explore different ways of acting. The research objectives are: to find out leaders and employees’ perception about change; to determine, through a literature review, the impact of change on the organizations’ members and to build a conceptual model for an effective management of employees’ resistance to change. The benefits of our study consist in offering an organizational leadership and change management frameworks, in identifying the relevant characteristics and behaviors for a leader under change’s circumstances, in showing change’s challenges influencing different attitudes of employees up to the change resistance one. Our research result is the elaboration of a conceptual model that is thought to be further tested and validated through a series of empirical researches.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 219.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Avey, J., Wernsing, T. S., & Luthans, F. (2008). Can positive employees help positive organizational change? Impact of psychological capital and emotions on relevant attitudes on behaviors. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 44(1), 48–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Avolio, B. J., & Bass, B. M. (2002). Manual for the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Redwood City, CA: Mindgarden.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, S. L. (1987). Managing resistance to change. Accessed July 18, 2014, from https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/bitstream/handle/2142/1665/Baker5361.pdf?sequence=2

  • Baron, A. (2011). Measuring human capital. Strategic HR Review, 10(2), 30–35.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bass, B. M. (1985). Leadership and performance beyond expectations. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Block, P. (1989). Flawless consulting. In R. Mc Lennan (Ed.), Managing organizational change. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bovey, W. H., & Hede, A. (2001). Resistance to organizational change: The role of cognitive and affective processes. Leadership and Organization Development Journal, 22(8), 372–382.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. New York: Harper and Raw.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chuang, Y. S. (2000). Individual resistance from employees to organizational change. Accessed August 14, 2014, from http://www.jgbm.org/page/19%20Dr.%20Chuang,Yuh-Shy.pdf

  • Collinson, D. (1994). Strategies of resistance: Power, knowledge and subjectivity in the workplace. In J. M. Jermier, D. Knight, & W. R. Nord (Eds.), Resistance and power in organizations (pp. 25–68). London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conner, D. R. (1998). Managing at the speed of change: How resilient managers succeed and prosper where others fail. Chichester: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Craine, K. (2007). Managing the cycle of change. Information Management Journal, 41(5), 44–49.

    Google Scholar 

  • De Board, R. (1983). Counseling skills. Aldershot: Gower Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feldman, N. G. (1972). Pride in heritage-or resentment?: A sociologist analyzes library staff reaction. Wilson Library Bulletin, 46, 436–440.

    Google Scholar 

  • Felicio, J. A., Couto, E., & Caiado, J. (2014). Human capital, social capital and organizational performance. Management Decision, 52(2), 350–364.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fine, S. F. (1986). Technological innovation, diffusion and resistance: A historical perspective. Journal of Library Administration, 7(Spring), 83–108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ford, J. D., Ford, L. W., & McNamara, R. T. (2002). Resistance and the background conversations of change. Journal of Organizational Change Management, 15(2), 105–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fry, L. W. (2003). Towards a theory of spiritual leadership. Leadership Quarterly, 14, 693–727.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gamerschlag, R. (2013). Value relevance of human capital information. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 14(2), 325–345.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Goldstein, J. (1988). A far-from-equilibrium systems approach to resistance to change. Organizational Dynamics, 17(2), 16–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guthrie, J., Petty, R., Yongvanich, K., & Ricceri, F. (2004). Using content analysis as a research method to inquire into intellectual capital reporting. Journal of Intellectual Capital, 5(2), 282–293.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hater, J. J., & Bass, B. M. (1988). Superiors’ evaluations and subordinates’ perceptions of transformational and transactional leadership. Journal of Applied Psychology, 73, 695–702.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Heathfield, S. M. (2012a). Change, change, change: Change management lessons from the field. Accessed August 26, 2014, from http://humanresources.about.com/od/changemanagement/a/change_lessons.htm

  • Heathfield, S. M. (2012b). Executive support and leadership in change management. Accessed August 26, 2014, from http://humanresources.about.com/od/changemanagement/a/change_leaders.htm

  • Jackson, B., & Parry, K. (2008). A very short, fairly interesting and reasonably cheap book about studying leadership. London: Sage Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kavanagh, M. H. (2006). The impact of leadership on change management strategy on organizational culture and individual acceptance of change during a merger. British Journal of Management, 17(1), 81–103.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kim, W. C., & Mauborgne, R. (1998). Procedural justice, strategic decision making and the knowledge economy. Strategic Management Journal, 19(4), 323–338.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Knowles, E. S., & Linn, J. A. (2004). The importance of resistance to persuasion. In E. S. Knowles & J. A. Linn (Eds.), Resistance and persuasion (pp. 3–11). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaurn Associates.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kyle, N. (1993). Staying with the flow of change. Journal for Quality and Participation, 16(4), 34–42.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lawrence, P. R. (1969, January). How to deal with resistance to change. Harvard Business Review, On-line Edition, The Magazine. Accessed July 2, 2014, from http://hbr.org/1969/01/how-to-deal-with-resistance-to-change/ar/1

  • Lucas, H. C., Jr. (1974). Toward creative system design. New York: Columbia University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lundgren, M. (2010). Lecture leadership and rhetoric: An introduction to classical rhetoric. Kalmar: Linnaeus University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mainardes, E. W., Alves, H., & Raposo, M. (2011). The process of change in university management: From the “Ivory Tower” to entrepreneurialism. Transylvanian Review of Administrative Sciences, 33, 124–149.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maltz, M. (2008). Managing resistance to change. TRIAD Consulting Group LLC. Accessed September 2, 2014, from http://www.triadllc.com/pdf/ManagingResistance.pdf

  • Maurer, R. (1997). Transforming resistance. HR Focus, 74(10), 9–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mintzberg, H., & Waters, J. A. (1985). Of strategies, deliberate and emergent. Strategic Management Journal, 6(3), 257–272.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Morris, K. F., & Raben, C. S. (1995). The fundamentals of change management. In D. A. Nadler, R. B. Shaw, A. E. Walton, & Associates (Eds.), Discontinuous change (pp. 47–67). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

    Google Scholar 

  • Myers, K., & Robbins, M. (1991). 10 rules for change. Executive Excellence, 8(5), 9–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Organizational Development. (2009). Understanding and managing reactions to change (pdf). London: Gateshead Council (pdf). Accessed 13 September 13, 2014, from https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/DocumentLibrary/council/pois/managingreactionstochange.pdf

  • Plate, K. H., & Stone, E. W. (1974). Factors affecting librarians job satisfaction: A report of two studies. Library Quarterly, 44(April), 97–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Postmes, T., Tanis, M., & De Wit, B. (2000). A meta-analysis of communication and organizational commitment: the coldest message elicits the warmest feelings. Unpublished manuscript, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam.

    Google Scholar 

  • Postmes, T., Tanis, M., & De Wit, B. (2001). Communication and commitment in organizations: A social identity approach. Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, 4(3), 207–226.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shaw, D. (1986). Staff opinions in library automation planning. Special Libraries, 77(Summer), 140–151.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sinetar, M. (1981). Mergers, morale and productivity. Personnel Journal, 60(11), 863–868.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spiker, B. K., & Lesser, E. (1995). We have met the enemy. Journal of Business Strategy, 16(2), 17–21.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Steinburg, C. (1992). Taking charge of change. Training and Development, 46(3), 26–32.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sullivan, M. F., & Guntzelman, J. (1991). The grieving process in cultural change. The Health Care Supervisor, 10(2), 28–33.

    Google Scholar 

  • Veaner, A. B. (1974). Institutional political and fiscal factors in the development of library automation. Journal of Library Automation, 7(March), 5–26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Yukl, G. (1998). Leadership in organizations (4th ed.). New Jersey: Prentice Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zaltman, G., & Duncan, R. (1977). Strategies for planned change. New York, NY: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgment

This work was co-financed from the European Social Fund through Sectorial Operational Program Human Resources Development 2007–2013, project number POSDRU/159/1.5/S/142115 “Performance and excellence in doctoral and postdoctoral research in Romanian economics science domain”.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Alexandra Cătălina Nedelcu .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this paper

Cite this paper

Nedelcu, A.C., Buşu, C. (2016). Managing Employee’s Resistance to Change: A Conceptual Model Based on Human Capital Perspective. In: Bilgin, M., Danis, H. (eds) Entrepreneurship, Business and Economics - Vol. 1. Eurasian Studies in Business and Economics, vol 3/1. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-27570-3_14

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics