Change Manager Profile and Competency

What is Change?

• General Definition

The word “change”, as in a dictionary, generally means to make something different or to become different from what it is or what it used to be. Its opposite words are “remain” or “be permanent” so that its meaning in another word is obviously not to be the same. From the past to the present, this word plays important role in many different aspects, for example,

- “I change clothes.” means that I wear different clothes from previously.

- “I change my mind.” means that my attitude or decision is different from I used to think or make.

- “I change my job.” means that my job is not the same one as before.

- “World changes.”

- And etc.

Moreover, according to a Greek philosopher in the fifth Century named Heraclitus, he said “You cannot step into the same river twice” and “The only thing permanent is Change”. He argued that everyone could not step into the same river twice because the river already changed or flowed. So, when you step into the same river for the second time, the river already changed and was not the same as in the first time. Therefore, he asserted that change is the thing that never changes. This shows that this word was originated and has been used for a long time. Change is very important, as it can make and bring differences to people, social, nation, and the world.

• Business Definition

Nowadays, many organizations worldwide has embraced the word “change” in their organizational cultures as “the process or condition of moving or shifting from a current state to a desired state in the future”. This includes when an organization adjust or improve itself to response to changing business environment. Change is now very essential in doing business and affects all companies regardless of their sizes, products, services, offers, and locations in which they operate.

• Types of Changes in an Organization

According to Ackerman (1997), in most organizations, change can be divided into three main types in relation to its extent and scope.

1. Developmental Change

Developmental change deals with existing or current business aspects. In another words, it is a change when an organization attempts to improve or enhance its current business processes, methods, and performances. This degree of change enables the organization to remain competitive. The example of developmental change is when the company wants to open a new division or close a division.

2. Transitional