Do you have the right 'shock absorbers'? The role of adaptive change agents in facilitating successful change

Abstract

Change is an ongoing process in organisations as they continue to meet environmental demands to improve organisational performance and enhance competitiveness. However, researchers have highlighted that only one-third of change initiatives are successful. Breakdowns caused due to resistance to change are often cited as a main reason for failure. As research examining how resistance can be a positive influencer for change emerges, the paper contributes to this theme. Our research uses the metaphor of ‘shock absorber’ for change agents and argues that in order to achieve successful organisational change, an effective shock absorber is likely to shift through strategies of action, reflection and adaptation. The best strategy can be determined by identifying who and what really counts.