Chapter 9 - Flexibility

Abstract

Flexibility refers to dynamic interchange between the pressure for change and the resistance to change, which helps establish an appropriate middle ground between preservation and renewal. There are many different triggers of change in industry, and changes are likely to cause revision of priorities and could induce company reorganizations. If there is no change within a certain environment, then there is neither adjustment to nor interaction with a surrounding or adjacent dynamic environment. In addition, because there is no adjustment there can be no improvement. Large companies or companies who have maintained the same employees and projects for a long time may be less dynamic than their smaller counterparts. Companies that adapt fast may be able to respond in a more timely way to altered market forces by redistributing their resources and changing their priorities. The impacts of these dynamics on the individual and society are highly visible; employees may keep their jobs and societies avoid the burden of added unemployment. To be flexible, one needs to develop change-coping skills, adapt quickly to change, see change as an opportunity for improvement, understand the necessity of change, display non-possessive behavior, stay neutral or positive toward change, avoid taking things personally unless there is a reason to do so, help others be flexible, and look into what is next.