dc.description.abstract | Resistance to change is a complex issue facing management in the dynamic and ever
evolving organizations of today. It can lead to the failure of many well-intended and
well-conceived efforts to initiate change within organizations. Managers and change
agents need to be adept at understanding and managing the phenomenon.
The dairy sector is experiencing substantive growth and as such a lot of change is
inevitable especially as a result of the increased competition. The industry in Kenya has
been faced with several challenges ranging from economic, technological, legal and
social coupled with stiff competition among milk processors. Githunguri Dairy Farmers
Cooperative Society is no exception. In response to these challenges the society has
undergone major strategic changes that involved change of management/leadership;
increase in product range processed and marketed, improvement and expansion of
services to members e.g. From 15 stores in 1999 to 47 stores currently.
The study aimed at determining the forms of resistance, the factors that cause resistance
and identifying how resistance to strategic change at GDFCS Ltd was managed. The
study was modeled on a case study design. The primary data was mainly qualitative in
nature and was gathered using the interview guides on the company’s administrative
staff. Content analysis technique was used to analyze the data collected.
The study establishes that GDFCS Ltd has been able minimize resistance to change by
adopting various strategies which include: education and communication, facilitation and
support, negotiation and agreement and also by offering financial benefits to the
employees.
The researcher recommends that in order to remain competitive in the market and remain
profitable in the current business environment where strategic change is inevitable,
GDFCS Ltd should introduce change in every aspect of its undertaking. The study also
recommends that the GDFCS Ltd management should dedicate more funds and develop
better policies that are geared towards promoting change in the company like rewards and promotions for the people who pioneer change. | en |