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Critically assess the manner in which Leadership can be used within the change process and show how it can support managing the complexity of organizational change.


Introduction

This essay will critically assess the way that leadership can be used within the change process and how it can support managing the complexity of organizational change. It will analyse theories of both positive and negative leadership styles and how this affects not only the change process, but also its impact on employees. Concepts from theorists such as Carnall (2003) and Thomas (2001) will be critically examined so that a complete picture of how leadership directly effects the outcome of change process can be seen. There are many unforeseen events that can happen during organisational change, and it is the adaptability of the leaders which has greatest influence on the outcome. Furthermore, the internal and external factors have to be managed with care and co-ordinated so that the complexity of change is fully dealt with.


Change management and leaders - The central role of leadership

Carnall notes that “Change management is rather like conducting an orchestra.” (Carnall, 2003, p.122). Therefore, one person must lead, energize and motivate the rest of the team. This person is the manager of the company who should provide a skilled performance while sustaining the performance of the rest of the team, company’s employees. (Carnall, 2003). Managing Change perfectly is something impossible, but the most of the times it is possible to provide more of what is needed in a period of change. Employees during the period of change need information, milestones, ideas and feedback. (Carnall, 2003). In contrast to what Colin A. Carnall believes, Woodward and Buchholz (1987) note that the right way to manage change is with ‘bolt in, rah rah’ change management. (Cited in Carnall, 2003). The concept of this change management...