A case study on the perceptions of a past organizational change, with a specific focus on communication during reorganization

Abstract

This dissertation contributes to an understudied area in organizational change research, the study of a reorganization. The perception of communication by employees, midlevel managers, and senior leaders during the decision-making process for organizational change and throughout the change was the focus of this case study. Previous studies have examined communication challenges during reorganization. This study examined questions about the perception of communication before the decision-making process and communication during organizational change. Communication during organizational change is imperative for understanding the purpose of the change. Therefore, this study aimed to explain which communication techniques were most beneficial to the success of the organizational change. Social cognitive theory and leader and member exchange theory were utilized in this study of communication during reorganization. To determine perceptions of organizational change, participants were interviewed from employee, midlevel manager, and senior leader groups in the organization. The results highlight perceptions of communication before and throughout organizational change by employees, midlevel managers, and senior leaders. It was found that senior leaders made the decision for organizational change and employees were not included in the decision-making process. In addition, it was found that during the organizational change process, the notification about organizational change took place during a large all-hands meeting, there was no policy for communication of organizational change, and there is a need for continued communication with employees during organizational change. Participants shared the need for communication of future organizational changes, advice for communication about future organizational changes such as meetings that welcome feedback, and additional opportunities for feedback about organizational change. The Base Realignment and Closure was an example. Senior leader, manager, and employee communication is important during organizational change to analyze employees' support and satisfaction.--Author's abstract