Problem: Managing Change
The Chief Operations Officer (COO) of a Fortune 500 company is preparing to implement a major change in Standard Operating Procedures in the next six months. This is an initiative that she has personally spearheaded over the past year and one which she knows-while extremely valuable to the company and its employees in the long-term future-will almost certainly elicit a lot of initial unhappiness, anxiety, uncertainty, and push-back from both customers and employees-especially if the key components of the change initiative are communicated carelessly.
What are some of potential communications problems the COO faces right now, over the next six months, and for up to a year after the change is implemented? What will she have to do to ensure that the message is well-received and clearly understood by both external and internal customers (employees)? What media should she use to communicate over the next several months? Explain why this is the most effective way to communicate.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.