A Study about Power Dynamics and Organizational Change: Comparison of Perspectives
Introduction:~ This special issue of the European Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology is about power dynamics and organizational change. In this issue theoretical models, research findings and practical experiences are presented to examine power processes, decision making, influence tactics, resistance to change, management of change, and effects of change processes in organizations. As guest editors we wanted to introduce this issue by discussing different perspectives on power and organizational change, and to explore the relationships between power dynamics, organizational change, and the results of change efforts.
Organizational change processes are influenced by the institutionalization of power and the behaviour of interest groups in and around organizations. For the past decade or so, both the power embedded in formal organizational structures as well as the processes and the existing organizational arrangements have been changing dramatically. The pressures of global competition and deregulation have led many companies and institutions to search for new forms of organization and different models for managing people. Companies become flatter, leaner, and less functionally oriented. Levels of management are being eliminated and corporate staff numbers are being reduced. keep reading…
