*****hello writer, please respond to my classmate about their discussion post. i have their discussion post copied and pasted under the discussion question. i put the discussion question so you know what question the classmates is answering******
Instructions from Professor:
Evaluating and Sustaining Change [WLOs: 1 and 3] [CLOs: 3 and 4]
Today’s organizations must constantly change and adapt to remain agile and keep up with the competition, changing cultural events, and environmental challenges. Respond to the following thoughts regarding sustainability:
- Is there any value in the concept of sustaining change?
- Argue the return on investment for consultant-driven change.
- What other methods to sustain change have you seen?
Your initial post must be specific, significant, and at least 300 words. You must support your post with at least two credible resources in addition to the course text to defend your understanding of the sustainability of change and the evaluation process.
Hello Professor and classmates,
The Value of Sustaining Change
The concept of change in organizations is relatively constant; sustaining the change becomes important for long-term success. In my military experience, the standards of uniform changed during my service. Although practical, this required much effort to embed the change in the culture.
A situation like this reveals the value of sustaining change, which is worth so much.
According to McKinsey & Co (2020), for example, successful organizations that sustain change often gain not only improvement in performance but also increasingly a stronger culture of adaptability and resilience. Similarly, with the uniform standards change within the military, leadership supported these changes through strong adherence, communication, and training. If sustaining the change had not taken place, then confusion or lower morale could have taken its place due to operational inefficiency.
Return on Investment of Consultant-Led Change
The maintenance of change in corporate environments, such as the operational change at Walmart in the post COVID-19 era, realizes value in terms of ROI. Wal-Mart decreased its service model of operating 24 hours to keep more time for cleanliness and safety; this was initially a reactive approach but eventually became strategic change. This maintained change in operations not only preserved customer loyalty but also averted costs towards operational inefficiency and health hazards.
Change implemented by a consultant will also likely lead to a significant return on investment. McKinsey supports this further when it declares, “the impact of external consultants in sustaining change is profound, because they provide unbiased assessment and scalable strategies, ultimately yielding enduring results” (McKinsey & Co, 2020). Such would be the case with Walmart during its adjustment in operating hours and cleaning processes after the COVID outbreak-most certainly continuing to sustain such changes, reflecting efficient operations and very satisfied customers.
In addition to leadership and communication, other tactics such as continuous feedback loops and technology have also fared well to maintain the change.
Example: Walmart’s store hour reduction was better maintained when the company integrated technology such as online shopping and curbside pickup to help keep customer satisfaction up through transition. McKinsey says, “organizations using technology to deliver the change also report faster transition times and a higher proportion of people deeply engaged in the transition process” McKinsey & Co, 2020. In other words, whether it is a change in military protocol or a shift in corporate operations, the sustainability of change is what is required if lasting benefits thereof have to be realized. Leadership, strategic planning, and leveraging technological tools help in making sure that change is not only implemented but also sustained long enough.
-Charmaine
Reference:
McKinsey & Co. (2020). The impact of consultants on organizational performance. Available at: https://www.mckinsey.com.