Assignment:
Overview and Rationale
The best way to understand the nature of organizational transformation and change management is by studying companies or businesses that have participated in the process. This assignment requires that you read an article about a company or organization that is either in the process of change, has completed a transformation, or is planning one. You do additional and independent research, and (1) reflect on how actions and events in the four frames, discussed in our textbook, impact such change; (2) apply your personal/professional experiences to evaluating the nature of the change; and (3) relate your previous course work in the leadership program to the dynamics associated with organizational transformation.
Assignment Objectives
• Apply your personal/professional experiences, and/or the information you have learned to date in your undergraduate and graduate course work, to a real-world problem.
• Recognize obstacles and strengths to your personal development as a transformational leader, andidentify solutions or plans on how to overcome those obstacles or develop those strengths.
This assignment focuses on your understanding of change management. You will work on analyzing and implementing choices related to a situation that deals with organizational change. In doing this, you are expected to consider the theoretical foundations associated withthe respective company's transformation and to analyze it using the frames identified in this course. You will also be required to prepare a well-constructed analysis about the organization'schange process from a leadership perspective.
Essential Components
Read the assigned article with an open and critical mind.You are also asked to:
1. Describe the critical change management issues identified in the article;
2. Explain how the organizational frames apply to the information in the article;
3. Consider the perspective ofthe leaders of the organization. Explain how the organizational frames can and should helpguide them in determining where-when-how to affect the necessary solutions or changes;
4. Explain how change theories (such a Lewin's three-stage model and others), as well as our readings and/or discussions to date, canhelp tounderstand, design and implement strategies for transformation;
5. Describe the leadership models (situational, adaptive, transformational, etc.) you value and identify with, and how they might support you in affecting change at the organization described in the article; and
6. Conduct additional research about the organization to support your position.
Additional considerations for writing your paper:
Length: 4 to 5 pages (double spaced - 12 font - APA style)
Rubrics for grading consider the following elements:
1. Content & Analysis: Understandingof transformational activity, change theory and application of the frames model.
2. Organization: Case analysis that is developed and explained clearly and logically.
3. Formatting: APA style and correct word usage.
4. Creativity: Concepts and ideas expressed in ways that explain clearly and encourage learning and understanding by the reader.
Readings:
1. IBM Fired as Many as 100,000 in Recent Years, Lawsuit Shows
By Olivia Carville
2. IBM Now Has More Employees in India Than in the U.S.
By VINDU GOEL