Every organization sometimes faces the need to change quickly and dramatically to survive in a changing environment. Sometimes, changes are brought about by forces outside the organization. Sometimes, changes are brought about by forces within the organization. Other time, managers want to initiate change by don’t know how. Lack of innovation from within is widely recognized as one of the critical problems facing businesses today in the U.S. To be successful, organizations must embrace many different types of change. The process of managing change and innovation, and the related sub-topic of employee stress, is the topic of the current module.
 

1. Describe what change variables are within a manager’s control.
2. Identify external and internal forces for change.
3. Explain how managers can serve as change agents.
4. Contrast the “calm waters” and “white-water rapids” metaphors for change.
5. Explain why people are likely to resist change
6. Describe techniques for reducing resistance to change.
7. Identify what is meant by the term organization development (OD) and specify popular OD techniques.
8. Explain the causes and symptoms of stress.
9. Differentiate between creativity and innovation.
10. Explain how organization can stimulate innovation