Managing change: a psychologist's perspective

The uncertainty of today's economic, social and political climate requires that managers cope with a variety of forces beyond their operating control. To meet the challenges of these new demands, many organizational changes are required. This article identifies five human factors involved in change: (1) "Influence" makes work more meaningful and contributes to the feelings of satisfaction; (2) "Familiarity" reduces the feelings of resistence to change; (3) "Testing" allows individuals to evaluate the feasibility and seriousness of the proposed change; (4) "Stress" is caused by the apprehension of change; and (5) "Chance" describes elements that can send the change process in some unanticipated direction. The author believes that managers who understand the process of change will be able to implement change more effectively.