Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Planning For Change
Planning For Change
SEMINAR ON
UNIT - III
SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
SUBMITTED ON
17/08/2011
SL
CONTENTS PAGE NO
NO
1. Introduction 1
2. Terminologies 2
3.1 Definitions
- Change
- Planned change
- Change agent
3.3.1 knowledge
3.3.2 Attitude
3.5.1 unfreezing
3.5.2 moving
3.5.3 refreezing
- Lose focus
- Minimize the impact
- The pit
- Let go of the past
- Test the limits
- Search for meaning
- Integration
- Organizational structures
- Nursing labor force
- Reimbursement
- Information systems
3.13 Planned change as a collaborative process
Conclusion
5.
Bibliography
6.
PLANNING FOR CHANGE
1. INTRODUCTION:
Change is nothing new. In fact, it is often said that change is the only
constant. Change, particularly in the health-care environment, is complex and is
occurring at an unprecedented rate. Change is driven by many factors: the increasing
cost of health-care delivery, the nursing shortage, the rapid advancements in
technology and information management, and new expectations by the public to
have a more active role in health-care decisions. Meeting the health-care needs of
the world requires that the nurse be proactive and creative in guiding change.
In the nursing profession the need for change has never been greater. Bednash
(2003) maintains that change is needed in both the practice of nursing and in the
systems that nurses use to deliver care. A fundamental difference in management
and leadership is that managers maintain the status quo and leaders embrace change.
Learning how to manage change was listed as one of the major components
necessary when developing future nurse leaders.
2. TERMINOLOGIES:
2.2 Unfreezing: the process of getting accustomed to a new organisation and its
procedures
2.4 Refreezing: establishing the change as a new habit, so that it now becomes
the ‘standard operating procedure’”
3.1 Definitions
Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the
present are certain to miss the future. - John F.Kennedy
PLANNED
CHANGE: Planned change is defined as a process of intentional intervention to
create something new. In general it is a process by which new ideas
or programs are created and developed, diffused through
communication and intervention, and result in consequences of
adoption or rejection.
CHANGE
AGENT: Change agent is the outside helper used to plan and implement the
change process. The term has come to mean a person who functions
as a change facilitator.
When leaders or managers are planning to manage change, there are five key
principles that need to be kept in mind:
Here are some tips to apply the above principles when managing change:
Give people information - be open and honest about the facts, but don't give
overoptimistic speculation. I.e. meet their OPENNESS needs, but in a way that
does not set UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS.
Give people time, to express their views, and support their decision making,
providing coaching, counselling or information as appropriate, to help them
through the LOSS CURVE
Where the change involves a loss, identifies what will or might replace that loss -
loss is easier to cope with if there is something to replace it. This will help
assuage potential FEARS.
Keep observing good management practice, such as making time for informal
discussion and feedback (even though the pressure might seem that it is
reasonable to let such things slip - during difficult change such practices are even
more important).
These levels of change can be graphed from high to low according to the
difficulty and the time involved in making a change. The lowest difficulty and
shortest time to make a change occurs with knowledge changes. Attitudes are more
difficult to change because of being emotionally charged.
Individual behavior is the next most difficult and time- intensive change. Group
behavior and performance changes are the most difficult and take the longest time.
Participative change uses personal power and is used when new knowledge is made
available to a group. Directive change uses position power and when change is
imposed.
For example, in working with clients with diabetes, teaching them health principles
is easier and takes less time than does effecting a change in their behaviors (e.g., in
selecting foods based on size, quantity and balance of nutrients). It is even more
difficult to change group behaviors among staff. This may be partially a function of
dealing with two entities simultaneously because the group does not change unless
individuals change first.
Group behavoir
Individual 4 Behavior
3
Attitudes
2
Knowledge
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The amount of change and the rapidity of change disrupt and disorganize people.
Because of the rapidity of change in areas such as computer software, it is easy to
slip into the perception that history is what occurred 2 years ago and ancient history
refers to 5 years ago.
Obsolescence occurs before people have had a chance to adapt to the last round
of changes. The inevitable result is stress on individuals as they try to cope. These
dynamic affect nurses in their roles as care providers and care managers and
profoundly influence the profession of nursing through employment and
compensation fluctuations. One method to enhance nurses’ productivity and
decrease stress from turbulence in the environment is to strategically use planned
change.
The basic concepts of the change process were outlined by Lewin. A successful
change involves three elements:
(1) unfreezing
(2) moving, and
(3) refreezing
unfreezing
refreezing moving
Elements of a successful change
Unfreezing
Unfreezing the existing equilibrium involves motivating others for change. The
change agent must loosen, or “unfreeze,” the forces that are maintaining the status
quo. This involves increasing the perceived need for change and creating discontent
with the system as it exists. If individuals do not see a need for change, they are not
likely to be motivated or ready for change and may even hinder change. Assessment
of readiness for change is critical in this phase.
Moving
During the moving phase, the change agent identifies plans, and
implements strategies to bring about the change. The change agent must do all
that is possible to reduce restraining forces and strengthen driving forces. It is
critical that the change agent continue to work to build trust and enlist as many
others as possible. The more ownership there is in the change, the more likely the
change will be adopted. Timing is also important during this phase.
People need time to assimilate change; therefore, the change agent must allow
enough time for people to redefine how they view this change cognitively.
Refreezing
During the refreezing phase, the change agent reinforces new patterns of
behavior brought about by the change. Institutionalizing the change by creating
new policies and procedures helps to refreeze the system at a new level of
equilibrium. Refreezing has occurred when the new way of doing things becomes
the new status quo.
Kurt Lewin’s identified three phases of change: unfreezing, moving, and refreezing.
Hersey and colleagues (2001) discussed two frameworks within which change
occurs:
(1) first order change
(2) second order change
First order change occurs in a stable system. For an organization, this is adaptation
and incremental change based on monitoring the environment and making
purposeful adjustments. At the industry level, this is evolution as a response to
external forces such as markets.
An example in nursing is when a new evidence-based protocol is developed and put
into use in clinical practice. This is adaptation and adjustment.
Second-order change is discontinuous and radical and occurs when fundamental
properties or states of systems are changed. At the organization level, second-order
change is described as metamorphosis. The entire organization is transformed,
reconfigured, or moved along its life cycle. At the industry level, second order
change occurs when an entire industry is revolutionized or experiences quantum
change such as emergence, transformation, or decline. An example in health care is
the widespread implementation of computerized physician order entry (CPOE)
technology in response to the Institute of medicine’s recommendations for patient
safety reforms.
Havelock’s Six Step Change Model (1973) is another variation of Lewin’s change
theory. The emphasis of this model is on the planning stage of change. Havelock’s
model asserts that with sufficient, careful, and thorough planning, change agents
can overcome resistance to change. Using this model, essential to the success of
change is inclusion. It is imperative that the change agent encourage participation
at all levels. This follows the assumption that the more people are part of the plan,
the more they feel responsible for the outcome, and the more likely they will work
to make the plan succeed.
The planning stage of Havelock’s model includes:
(1) Building a relationship;
(2) diagnosing the problem; and
(3) Acquiring resources.
(4) Choosing the solution
(5) Gaining acceptance.
(6) Stabilization and renewal (Havelock, 1973).
Step 1: Knowledge
The decision-making unit (individual, team, or organization) is introduced to the
innovation (change) and begins to understand it.
Step 2: Persuasion
The change agent works to develop a favorable attitude toward the innovation
(change).
Step 3: Decision
A decision is made to adopt or reject the innovation.
Step 4: Implementation/Trial
The innovation is put in place. Reinvention or alterations may occur.
Step 5: Confirmation
The individual or decision-making unit seeks reinforcement that the decision made
was correct. It is at this point that a decision previously made may be reversed.
Because of the rapidly changing nature of health care and health care
organizations, long term outcomes are unpredictable, resulting in the potential for
chaos (Thi-etart & Forgues, 1995). The basic tenets of chaos theory are that
organizations can no longer rely on rules, policies, and hierarchies, or afford to be
inflexible and that small changes in the initial conditions of a system can
drastically affect the longterm behavior of that system.
System thinking refers to the need for both individuals and organizations to
understand how each is an open system with constant input from both visible and
invisible interactions.
Senge (1990) maintains that the dialogue necessary in system thinking
promotes both organizational and individual learning. Organizations that use the
learning approach to deal with constant change are often referred to as learning
organizations.
Continue learning as a concept of organizational philosophy promotes
adaptation to change within the organization.
3.8 CHANGE STRATEGIES:
Those wishing to bring about change must develop strategies to foster change.
Bennis, Benne, and Chin (1969), in their classic text, The Planning of Change
identified three strategies to promote change: rational-empirical, normative-re-
educative, and power-coercive.
This strategy assumes that people are rational beings and will adopt a change if it
is justified and in their self-interest. When using this strategy, the change agent’s role
includes communicating the merit of the change to the group. If the change is
understood by the group to be justified and in the best interest of the organization, it
is likely to be accepted. This strategy emphasizes reason and knowledge. It presents
those affected by the change with the knowledge and rationale they need to accept
and implement the change. This strategy is most useful when little resistance to a
change is expected. The power of the change agent is typically not a factor in
changes amenable to this strategy. This strategy assumes that once given the
knowledge and the rationales, people will internalize the need for the change and
value the result.
A second strategy takes into account social and cultural implications of change
and is based on the assumption that group norms are used to socialize individuals.
This strategy requires “winning over” those affected by the change. Success is often
relationship-based; relationship, not information, is the key to this strategy. The
success of this approach often requires a change in attitude, values, and/ or
relationships. Sufficient time is essential to the strategy. This strategy is most
frequently used when the change is based in the culture and relationships within the
organization. The power of the change agent, both positional and informal, becomes
integral to the change process.
For example, one of the most powerful changes in recent history occurred when
the norm changed regarding when to wear surgical gloves for preventing the spread
of infection. More than knowledge (rational-empirical) and administrative directives
were needed to bring about this change: it took a change in cultural values that
redefined the practice norms.
Change effected by this strategy is often based either on the followers’ desire to
please the leader or fear of the consequences for not complying with the change.
This strategy is very effective for legislated changes, but other changes
accomplished using this strategy are usually short-lived if people have not embraced
the need for the change through some other mechanism.
Manion (1995) who identified the following seven stages people go through
during personal transitions:
1. Lose focus: confusion and disorientation abound.
2. Minimize the impact: deny or pretend .the change is not significant.
3. The pit: feelings of anger, discouragement, resentment, and resistance arise.
4. Let go the past: energy returns as the end of the change process is seen.
5. Test the limits: more optimism is gained, and the individual tries out new
skills or seeks new experiences.
6. Search for meaning: the individual reflects on the change process and
recognizes what was learned.
7. Integration: the transition is completed, and the change is integrated into daily
life.
Both Perlman and Takacs (1990) and Manion’s (1995) stages resemble the
general grief model. However, manion’s model is more customized to change.
Stage 5 through 7 mirror the process of coping that occurs as attitudes reconfigure
and individuals work to produce positive outcomes.
Lewin also theorized that people maintain a state of status quo or equilibrium by
the simultaneous occurrence of both driving and restraining forces operating within
any field. The forces that push the system toward the change are driving forces,
whereas the forces that pull the system away from the change are called restraining
forces. Lewin’s model maintained that for change to occur, the balance of driving
and restraining forces must be altered. The driving forces must be increased or the
restraining forces decreased.
Driving forces may include a desire to please one’s boss, to eliminate a problem
that is undermining productivity, to get a pay raise, or to receive recognition.
Restraining forces include conformity to norms, unwillingness to take risks, and a
fear of the unknown.
Change issue
Driving forces restraining forces
weak
weak
moderate
Strong force
Equilibrium
No change Change
change
No change
Fear of loss
of employment
Fear of Fear of
Loss of status loss of confidence
Why change
is resisted
Demands time Demands energy
Therefore creating an imbalance within the system by increasing the
driving forces or decreasing the restraining forces is one of the tasks required for
a change agent.
change
Because of constant change, nurses and health care systems have had to
learn and adapt. To view the scope of change surrounding nursing in perspective,
four areas of major change can be identified.
They are
organizational structures,
nursing labour force,
reimbursement, and
information systems.
Changes also are occurring in health care as integrated networks form and care
increasingly is moved into community settings. Changing organizational
structures are occurring in the midst of a nurse shortage. The complexion of the
nurse workforce is changing; and recruitment and retention, education, and staff
deployment alternatives are being explored.
Organizational structures
Change
Reimbursement
Information systems
Present and future changes will bring an increasing use of information systems.
A massive increase in computerization is urgent in a managed care environment.
For example, there is a national practitioner’s data bank that was created from
quality concerns. Any physician or nurse who has been party to a lawsuit must
have this information reported. Large national databases of all licensed nurses
also are being compiled.
Nurse leaders must also consider multiple factors and anticipate potential problems
when instituting changes.
Many factors can serve as barriers to change, including
decreased resources lack of support,
resistance,
poor communication mechanisms, or
pressure to get the day-to-day work done.
The more barriers there are to the change, the more effort will be needed to deal with
those barriers and, consequently, the less energy will be available to institute the
actual change.
3.15 The Leader-Manager as a Role model during Planned Change:
Leader- managers must act as role models to subordinates during the change
process.
The leader-manager must attempt to view change positively and to impart this
view to subordinates. It is critical that managers not view change as a threat. Instead,
it should be viewed as a challenge and the chance or opportunity to do something
new and innovative.
Porter-O’Grady (2003) suggests that these dramatically changing times in the
practice of nursing have given leaders a more demanding role in health care, and
that the managers’ behavior is the single most important factor in how people in the
organization accept change.
The leader has two responsibilities in facilitating change in nursing practice.
First, leader-managers must be actively engaged in change in their own work and
role model this behavior to staff.
Secondly leaders must be able to assist staff members make the needed change
requirements in their work. For a change to become part of an organization staff
must internalize it.
Managers must believe that they can make a difference. This feeling of
control is probably the most important trait for thriving in a changing environment.
Friends, family and colleagues should be used as a support network for
managers during change.
Leadership roles
1. Is visionary in identifying areas of needed change in the organization and the
health-care system.
2. Demonstrates risk taking in assuming the role of change agent.
3. Demonstrates flexibility in goal setting in a rapidly healthcare system.
4. Anticipates, recognizes, and creativity problem solves resistance to change.
5. Serves as a role model to subordinates during planned change by viewing change
as a challenge and opportunity for growth.
6. Role models high level interpersonal communication skills in providing support
for followers undergoing rapid or difficult change.
7. Demonstrates creativity in identifying alternatives to problems.
8. Demonstrates sensitivity to timing in proposing planned change.
9. Takes steps to prevent aging in the organization and to keep nursing current with
the new realities of nursing practice.
Management functions:
1. Forecasts unit needs with an understanding of the organization’s and units legal,
political, economic, social and legislative climate.
2. Recognizes the need for planned change and identifies the options and resources
available to implement that change.
3. Appropriately assess the driving and restraining forces when planning for
change.
4. Identifies and implements appropriate strategies to minimize or overcome
resistance to change.
5. Seeks subordinates’ input in planned change and provides them with adequate
information during the change process to give them some feeling of control.
6. Supports and reinforces the individual efforts of subordinates during the change
process.
7. Identifies and uses appropriate change strategies to modify the behavior of
subordinates as needed.
8. Periodically assesses the unit/department for signs of organizational aging and
plans renewal strategies.
As the twenty first century approaches, rapidly changing environment and health
care reformats are having a dramatic effect on the new roles of the nursing
faculty.
Changes in health care demand that the nursing faculties critically evaluate
the competencies of their own as well as evaluate the curricula design. There is
an increasing emphasis on the teaching role of nursing faculty with
accompanying expectations that the outcomes of the educational process will be
regularly assessed at the institutional level as well as at the programme level.
The new information technologies (IT) in the 21st century affect currently most
spheres of life, including education at all levels. In the last few years dozens of
conferences were devoted to examining various aspects of the new technologies
impact, and hundreds of scholarly articles and books were published on IT
related themes. Unquestionably, the lT bears a tremendous potential to change
and reshape conventional study environments.
Further, changes during the last ten years in nursing education include a
revolution in teaching strategies. The faculty are now integrating the use of
technology into their teaching and promoting the active involvement of learners
in the teaching – learning process. IT has assumed increasing importance in
education.
5. Conclusion
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Diane.L.Huber, "Leadership and nursing care management”, 3rd edition,
managers”, 3rd edition, Jones & Barlett publishers, page no: 68, 269.
JOURNALS:
2. Perlman. D., & Takacs, G.J., “Nursing management”, the ten stages of change,
volume 21, issue 4, 1990, Pg.no: 33-38
WEBSITES:
http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/Steps-in-Planned
Change.topicArticleId-8944,articleId-8888.html
www.change-management-coach.com/kurt_lewin.html
http://www.karis.biz/storage/crew_cv/types%20of%20change.pdf
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