Organizational Strategic Change Management
- Organizational strategic change
1.1 Models of strategic change
In this regard, it is possible to refer to three theoretical models of change, which Harley Davidson can use to launch and complete the change successfully. However, it should be said that there is no ideal model and the company should choose the model depending on its strategic vision and mission and taking into consideration the future development of the company, industry and technologies. In such a way, while choosing the effective model, Harley Davidson should take into consideration multiple factors that can affect its performance in a long-run perspective.
In actuality, Harley Davidson can use the Systems theory to elaborate an effective approach to the introduction of changes and strategic change management. In this regard, it is important to place emphasis on the fact that the Systems theory represents organizations as open systems with inputs, transformations, outputs, and feedback (Cameron and Green, 2009). The theory admits two approaches: hard systems and soft systems (Nelson, 2009). In such a context, Harley Davidson should focus on the analysis of available resources, current competitive position of the company and its business environment, along with the detailed analysis of technological progress. In such a way, the company can develop the hard system on the ground of this analysis and elaborate the strategy of the change, which can help the company to make a breakthrough in its business development. At this point, it is important to place emphasis on the fact that what Harley Davidson needs at the moment is a technological hype, which puts the company in an advantageous position compared to its rivals. The technological hype is possible, if the company uses a systematic approach to its strategic changes.
Furthermore, Harley Davidson can develop its strategic change management on the ground of the Contingency theory. In terms of the Contingency theory, a change can be successful and drive the organization forward, if there is a fit between organization processes and characteristics of the situation. What is meant here is the fact that Harley Davidson should elaborate effective approaches and strategies on the ground of the detailed analysis of its resources and capabilities, on the one hand, and situation in the market, on the other. In such a situation, Harley Davidson should attempt to balance its internal resources and organizational culture to meet challenges in the contemporary business environment. For instance, the company faces the problem of complacency. Therefore, Harley Davidson needs to re-evaluate its current position in the market and to change its organizational culture. Or else, the company needs to introduce innovations to catch up with its rivals, and then the company should encourage and motivate employees to develop and to introduce innovations.
Alternatively, Harley Davidson can rely on the Chaos and complexity theory, which is the most recent among the three theories mentioned above. The Chaos and complexity theory implies that organizations are viewed as complex adaptive systems. Effects of change are difficult to predict. This theory places emphasis on creating the conditions for beneficial change to occur. In actuality, this theory is the most applicable to Harley Davidson because, today, the company can hardly predict the further development of the industry and technology, especially in a long-run perspective. Therefore, the company should focus on the creation of conditions, when the company can maintain its competitive position. In this regard, the focus on innovations should be the primary concern of the company because they have allowed its rivals to challenge the position of Harley Davidson in the market. Consequently, it would be logical to presuppose that they can help the company to regain its position in the market and to improve its performance. At the same time, the company has to create conditions, which stimulate the introduction of innovations. This means that the company should create positive ambiance within the company, motivate employees to introduce innovations, support educational or training programs, search for and find talented employees and employ them or train gifted students to employ them further in the company, if they have creative potential and can introduce innovations in the company.
1.2 The relevance of models of strategic change to organizations in the current economy
The contemporary business environment is rapidly changing and many organizations are forced to introduce changes in their organizational structure, design, and business development. In such a situation, organizations can develop effective marketing strategies on the condition of their preparedness to changes. The development of modern organization is dependent on their ability to introduce changes and to adapt to changes, which occur in their business environment. In this respect, it is possible to refer to the experience of Harley Davidson,
1.3 The value of using strategic intervention techniques in organizations
At this point, it is important to place emphasis on the fact that the development of strategic change management becomes crucial for the successful business development of modern organizations, such as Harley Davidson. The strategic change management contributes to the development of effective long-run strategies to develop their business and to adapt to changes that occur both internally and externally. At this point, it is worth mentioning the fact that organizations should come prepared to internal changes, which occur within organizations, and external changes, which occur under the impact of external factors, including changes in the industry and market. In such a context, the role of strategic change management can hardly be underestimated and organizations should be capable to introduce efficient strategies to introduce changes to improve their organizational performance and position in the market.
In actuality, the experience of Harley Davidson may be very helpful for understanding the role of changes and effective strategic change management in the contemporary business environment. In this respect, it is important to dwell upon the recent history of the company and forces driving the need for change.
