Page 191 - E2 Integrated Workbook STUDENT 2018

Managing organisational change

7.2 Thriving on Chaos – Peters

Peter's idea relates to ‘excellent’ companies that have succeeded by seeking to
create a climate of continual and radical change. Peters called this ‘thriving on
chaos’. He suggested that:

 incremental change is the enemy of true innovation, because it makes an
organisation less willing to be truly innovative

 excellent firms don’t believe in excellence, only in constant improvement and
constant change

 a constantly changing environment does not necessarily mean chaos: instead, it
may mean that companies can handle the introduction of change successfully.

Peters suggested that the advantages of having a climate of change
are as follows:

 innovation and the introduction of new products and new methods
are actively sought and welcomed

 people who are used to change tend to accept it without
resistance

 employees develop an external viewpoint, and are less insular and
defensive in their outlook.

However, there are possible disadvantages:

 with a climate of change morale might be damaged

 staff might become involved in office politics because of their
concerns about the possible changes that might occur in the
organisation.

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