Different Types of Change

Name: Different Types of Change
Author: Cynthia Wilcox

Recognize change in all its many forms and how to be prepared for it

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Course: On-Demand

Are there days when all you hear is the word change? Perhaps you've also heard some of the buzzwords associated with it: transformation, transition, project change management, process change. If things in business stopped changing entirely could we still grow? The answer is no. Internal and external factors force us to experience change. Some types of change are obvious, while others are more subtle. It is important to be aware of the less obvious changes. Internal forces of change include: structural, strategic, process-oriented, and people-oriented. Let's look at each of these separately. Structural change— You are probably most familiar with structural changes within a business. Most of the changes an organization faces will fall into the category of structural changes and involve how the organization is managed. External impacts are often the catalyst for internal changes. This can be as simple as implementing a new employee policy to reduce waste, or as complicated as restructuring the organization to enable it to meet the needs of its customers more effectively. When hierarchical changes occur during structural change, you can brace yourself for some sort of impact on the organization. Why? Because all leaders have a vision, and they need an organizational infrastructure that supports their vision. Strategic change— At times it will be necessary for organizations to change their strategy to adjust to the demands of the external business environments. This may involve changing the organization's mission statement or some aspects of how they approach business, such as target markets, product lines, pricing, target customers, partnerships, and strategic orientation. How exactly these changes affect you will depend on your role in the organization. But, you will need to be prepared to adapt to the new situation. Process-oriented change— To ensure processes achieve maximum efficiency and productivity and minimal waste of resources, organizations will often implement process-oriented change. Changes to hardware, software, tools, technology, and processes are easily spotted. If your organization assembles products, there may be new machinery to increase the speed on the assembly line. If a service is provided, there may be a new process that allows the service to be offered to a wider range of customers. People-oriented change— Organizations are increasingly more diverse. And an internal cultural shift can have a significant impact. For example, in the contemporary workplace, you may have as many as four different generations working under one roof. These include Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, Millennials, born between 1981 and 1996, and Generation Z, born after 1997. Each of us is influenced by the ideology and technology of our generation. Put a Baby Boomer in the room with a Millennial and you will have two very different work philosophies, preferences on how to communicate, value systems, experiences, and levels of knowledge. We each need to learn to adapt to others in the workplace. People-oriented change involves communication, leadership, motivation, and interaction with others.

Beginner Provider : Cynthia Wilcox 4 Lessons · 15m in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese

Course Description

Change is inevitable, but most of us are unprepared for how to deal with it, especially in a work environment where change can affect our daily tasks and career outlook. This course on "Different Types of Change" will outline where you can expect to see change come from in a workplace — both internally and externally — and how to prepare for it. It's not only important to weather change, but to have a toolbox of skills and approaches that help you make the best of it. This course will prepare you for encountering change by presenting the different forms change can take: policy revisions, reorganized roles, laws and compliance, and even implementing new computer systems. You'll also better understand how individuals respond emotionally to change and how to take action in each step of the change lifecycle. Learn how to proactively address change that will impact your work and career, and use it for your benefit.

What You'll Learn

Cope more effectively with change in the workplace
Distinguish the different types of change you may encounter
Identify internal change aspects, including structural, strategic, process-oriented, and people-oriented change
Identify external change aspects, including technology, economics, competition, and policies and legislation
Recognize the phases of the Life Cycle of Change and their impacts
Examine how individuals respond emotionally to change through the Emotional Change Cycle

Key Takeaways

Change in a work environment can come from both internal and external sources and affects daily tasks and career outlook.
Change can take many forms, including policy revisions, reorganized roles, laws and compliance, and the implementation of new computer systems.
Building a toolbox of skills and approaches helps you not only weather change but make the best of it.
Individuals respond emotionally to change, and there are actions to take at each step of the change lifecycle.
Proactively addressing change that impacts your work and career lets you use it for your benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this course cover?

It outlines where change comes from in a workplace, both internally and externally, and how to prepare for it. It presents the different forms change can take, such as policy revisions, reorganized roles, laws and compliance, and implementing new computer systems, and covers how individuals respond emotionally to change across the change lifecycle.

Who is this course for?

It is for anyone in a work environment who wants to be better prepared to deal with change that can affect their daily tasks and career outlook.

What skills will I gain from this course?

The course develops skills in Change Advisory, Change Leadership, Change Management, Change Management Planning, Organizational Change Management, and Theory of Change.

What types of internal and external change does the course address?

Internal change covers structural, strategic, process-oriented, and people-oriented change, while external change covers technology, economics, competition, and policies and legislation.

What lessons are included?

The course includes lessons on Internal Change, External Forces of Change, External Cultural Change, and The Emotional Change Cycle.

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™).