Change Management: An Overview

Name: Change Management: An Overview
Author: Risë Legato

Learn what change management is and why it matters

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Course: On-Demand

(upbeat music) What is change management? Oxford University Press author Emma Jeans defines it as "a collective term for any actions related to changing an organization from one state to another, including planning, implementing, and reinforcing changes." But another important part is supporting employees through each stage. Change management originated in the 20th century as academics began to study how humans adjusted to environmental shifts. Since that time, the concept has grown into its own discipline, creating new jobs, certifications, software, metrics, and tracking systems. As change management is about helping people succeed in new conditions, it can require leadership skills and a strong awareness of your company's culture. There are many aspects to this kind of management because for many people, change can be unwelcome. Here are some examples of changes a business can face. Mergers, acquisitions, cultural shifts, relocation, layoffs, establishing new departments, and dissolving existing departments. To see the complexities that can come with a transition, let's say a company is implementing new procedures that use different technologies. If managers don't share this information or train the employees on how to use the new technologies, it could create confusion that affects productivity. And sometimes, even when changes are well-executed, it can take time for people to get used to them. Change management often requires communicating why changes are being made so employees understand how new procedures and policies relate to the company's mission. If you've ever asked why something is done a certain way, the reply may have been, "Because that's the way we've always done it." Or perhaps you received an answer like, "It's better this way." Hearing these sorts of responses, it can be difficult to tell why an organization chooses certain procedures to follow, which gives the impression leadership might not fully understand how daily operations support the company's goals. When trying something different, it can help for the change management process to include educating workers on the motivations behind it, training them on necessary skills, monitoring progress, and helping people adjust. When people have insight into what's happening, the reasons for it, and how to meet their job demands under the new circumstances, it can clarify expectations going forward. As a manager or HR professional, it's important that you understand all aspects of change management so you can help your employees through a transition. You can manage organizational shifts systematically with tools, models, and techniques to guide the company all along the way. As a leader, it's critical that you understand how to plan so that you can implement change effectively.

Intermediate Provider : Risë Legato 6 Lessons · 19m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese

Course Description

Change is an inevitable force within our society that affects organizations at lightning speed. For many organizations, the old way of doing business is gone. In order to thrive, you may need to implement new practices. This course will help you understand the various kinds of changes a company can undergo. You will learn about the areas you can prioritize during your organization’s transition. As a leader and HR professional, it’s critical that you understand how to plan so that you can implement change effectively. This course will help you be better prepared to assist the management team in managing change.

Change Management: An Overview will show you why managing change is important and help you understand which factors matter most when your company decides to implement change. You’ll learn the basics of the change process, as well as how to educate employees on change and train them accordingly. You will also learn how to identify potential risks and rewards within your organization.

What You'll Learn

Identify why change is important for your organization in the digital age
Recognize the need and the opportunity for change within your organization
Name the types of change a company can undergo
Explain the basics of the change management process
Educate and train employees on change accordingly
Identify potential risks and rewards within your organization

Key Takeaways

Change is an inevitable force that affects organizations rapidly, and organizations may need to implement new practices to thrive.
For leaders and HR professionals, understanding how to plan is critical to implementing change effectively.
Managing change is important, and certain factors matter most when a company decides to implement change.
The course covers the basics of the change process, including how to educate and train employees on change.
Learners are prepared to assist the management team in managing change and to identify potential risks and rewards within the organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

This course is for leaders and HR professionals who need to understand how to plan and implement change effectively and assist the management team in managing change.

What will I learn in this course?

You will learn the various kinds of changes a company can undergo, why managing change is important, which factors matter most when implementing change, the basics of the change process, how to educate and train employees on change, and how to identify potential risks and rewards within your organization.

What topics does the course cover?

The course covers what change management is, why change management is important, recognizing the need for change, types of change, and recognizing the opportunity for change, and includes a Test Your Knowledge lesson.

What skills does this course help build?

It helps build skills in change advisory, change management, change management planning, IT change management, organizational change management, and change management certification.

Professional Certifications and Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM®)

Professional Development Credits (PDCs): 0.5

Certification Program Categories:

Leadership & NavigationBusiness AcumenConsultationGlobal MindsetEthical PracticeRelationship ManagementAnalytical AptitudeCommunicationDiversity, Equity & Inclusion

KnowledgeCity is approved by SHRM as a Recertification General Provider to offer SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP professional development credits (PDCs). By taking the courses approved by SHRM, KnowledgeCity can award SHRM Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for HR knowledge and competency programs related to the SHRM Body of Applied Skills and Knowledge™ (the SHRM BASK™).