What is Organizational Change Management?

John Krautzel
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Organizational change management is the process of planning and implementing a change to a company or organization. Organizational change managers oversee everything from a merger or acquisition to a company laying off a significant amount of employees. Businesses typically look for outside help when making a major change to an organization. Organizational change management consultants are often hired to design a strategy for change and outline the steps that need to be taken.

Businesses are increasingly turning to organizational change managers, also known as management analysts, to design plans of action to increase revenue and make an organization work more efficiently. During the height of the recession, organizational change managers became more essential to the business industry, as companies sought out ways to reduce spending.

The popularity of organizational change management has led to a steady increase in demand for these kinds of professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for organizational change managers is promising. This occupation is expected to grow by 19 percent by 2022, which is far above the average growth rate. In fact, over 130,000 organizational change management jobs are expected to be created by 2022.

Organizational change management jobs vary greatly, depending on the company the analyst is working for. Some companies hire change managers to work with a specific department. For example, a company may hire a change manager to work with the human resources department when changes are made to the number of a employees the company employs. Other companies hire change managers to create and implement company-wide changes, such as developing policies and procedures that reduce costs and increase revenue.

Organizational change management jobs can be rewarding, but at the same time, introducing change to an entire company as an outsider can be challenging. There are certain skills that any organizational change management analyst must have. The ability to quickly, identify problems within an organization and creatively design solutions is absolutely necessary to be successful in this field. Additionally, the ability to confront and alleviate resistance is also necessary for any change within an organization to be successful. Additional skills that are important for this occupation include great problem-solving skills and a firm understanding of the client's industry.

Aside from developing the skills necessary to implement change, organizational management jobs usually require a bachelor's degree. In response to the rising demand for organizational change managers, many universities have created degree programs specifically designed for this career field. However, a business degree is typically sufficient to gain employment as an organizational change manager.

With a promising employment outlook, organizational change management is expected to steadily grow during the next decade and offer job seekers a number of employment opportunities. If you are considering a career change to a management role, working as an organizational change manager is a great option. Although this occupation can be at times challenging, improving the efficiency of a business can be very rewarding.

 

(Photo courtesy of (David Castillo Dominici)/freedigitalphotos.net)

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