Size, structure and change implementation

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate competing views of whether organization size creates conditions of rigidity or fluidity with respect to adaptation and change, this study empirically compares processes used to implement planned change and their associated outcomes in small and large organizations.Design/methodology/approach – Using Lewin's three‐phase model of change as an evaluative framework, questionnaire‐based data were obtained from change managers in small and large organizations. Analysis of variance and profile analysis were used to investigate size‐related differences in unfreezing, movement and refreezing phases of change, and in implementation success.Findings – Results indicated that small organizations employed significantly lower levels of refreezing activities and realized lower levels of implementation success relative to large organizations.Research limitations/implications – While cross sectional in nature, the sample's modest size limits the extent to which findings ca...