Key Features of Processual Approach (Term Paper Sample)

ASSIGNMENT 1: ESSAY SYNOPSIS
INTRODUCTION
Change management as described by Mahmoud et.al (2003) instils a process through which the structures and systems are renewed through a controlled development process. In addition, the control extends to implementation of the processes. The processes are governed by principles that ensure smooth adherence. This includes diagnosis of the problem, use of organisational culture directed mechanisms to change, start of change from the top, engagement of all organisational layers, collation building, provision of clear instructions, transparency in communication, and trainings to ensure smooth implementation. Researchers have argued that change in most cases is not effective and faces a lot of resistance due to failure of individuals to making proper implementation.
The change process thus can be implemented from two major perspectives including; the panned and emergent approaches. Both approaches have differences in their approach to change and thus have differences in implementation processes. Planned change has significant interest on the processes that would lead to change in state. Therefore has interests in the way the organisation changes as a part or the whole organisation and has consequent change in the direction of the firm. Therefore, in-depth and robust planning are critical in this approach. On the other hand emergent approaches rarely rely on planning and thus view change to be less connected to planning. Therefore, it emphasises on an on-going process where change is continuous and thus does not need to be planned for. The approach as suggested by Patrick (2014) argues that change is an open minded process and thus does not need to rely on any framework. It thus assumes that the business environment is dynamic and thus change should be implemented to fit the dynamism in both internal and external environment. The researcher in the current analysis has interest in the emergent approaches through recognition that they are most applicable in the current business world that is filled with a lot of uncertainties. Thus the paper will focus on one of the approaches within the framework- Dawson processual approach. Focus will be on its key features, organisational application, and critique.
KEY FEATURES OF PROCESSUAL APPROACH
Unlike other models that focus on the process of change, with other looking at the aspect of communication through the change process, Dawson recognises that change is a dynamic and a very complex process (Patrick 1997). Therefore, he argues that it is not a process that can be treated to follow linearity of event or a sequence of events. The approach recognises the importance of context. It emphasises that context is very important in in assessing the change process. For this reason it emphasis that there should be major emphasis on principles. In addition, the theory alleges that is continuous and does not thus has a finite end. Also, change is shaped by history, culture, and internal politics (Patrick 2019). For this reason, the theory does not look at change form steps that should be followed.
The theory tracks back to history and in 1994, Dawson and other researchers argued that change cannot be described. Later in 2003, in his work on changes in the manufacturing practices, Dawson places key emphasis on the need for culture and history in the change process.
From the structural change theory, the approach buys the idea that changes are to be implemented from some past which lay the bases on later developments. The theory of processual recognises that there is a past that needs to be changes (Patrick 2002). In addition, there is a culture that is in existence, and there are always internal forces that push change. For this reason, the theory alleges that change should be continually renegotiated and discussed to ensure new realities are in close conjuncture with the firm history, and culture.
The theory recognises that future changes are formed from the past and thus takes the insights of structural change theory and of management (Patrick 2012). The model makes sense of relations and logical reasoning with emphasis on developments that would effect change. In addition, bringing into insight and borrowing form Nudge model of change that argues that existing structures influences the future structures that could be implemented. Nudge model of change argues that the existing structures shape the new structures that could be developed. In addition, the model recognises that change is a continuous process that should be continued until positive results are achieved. It also recognises the usefulness of human behaviour in shaping structures which in line with Dawson processual approach which recognises the importance of history and culture (Mette 1997). Nudge model helps in recognition of the importance of structures to realisation of new positive results after resistance. It is continued till the best results are achieved.
APPLICATION ON AN ORGANISATION
In the current dynamic world, processual approach model has widely been applied. To a great extent when most firms recognised that the world is dynamic and changes have to be effected to be in line with the changes that arise (Ezzamel et.al 2003). This has been applied in many industries and more so in the manufacturing industry to ensure improved efficiency as well as coordinated change with minimal resistance. Huge application has been in design development and implementation in the automotive industry (Morsing 1997). For instance Toyota has received wide application of the model in development of its automotive. In the attempt of the company to ensure efficiency and high integration of their companies located in different parts