Leading Organizational Change: Semester-Long Project

摘要

For organizational change to happen, people have to change their behaviors. Leadersof organizational change therefore need to develop their abilities to influence others,sell issues, and overcome resistance to gain buy-in within organizations. This articledescribes the framework for a semester-long project in which MBA students practicethese skills by planning and executing an organizational change project of theirown design. In the process, they obtain developmental feedback on their growingchange-management skills. The instructor does not need to arrange contact withorganizations in which these change projects take place, as students are charged withdeveloping their projects and negotiating necessary access if needed. The projectworks best with weekly feedback and is, therefore, more appropriate for smallerclasses or classes with capable teaching assistants. Adjustments for use in largerclasses are also provided.