Change - More Than a New Construction

A popular instrument to achieve change is the introducing of a new construction. A new construction can be anything like a new building, a new product, a new system or even a new law. The organization of a hospital is often changed after the construction of a new building. The building will be designed with the newest technology and employees are thought to automatically adapt themselves to this new environment.

A new computer system falls also in the category of a new construction. In the same (hospital) environment, the introduction of Electronic Patient Files will streamline much of the organization, but it is no guarantee that it will solve (all) the problem related to the Patient Files. One of the questions is when dealing with such a change (by the introduction of a new construction) is whether everybody will use it. If a single group of employees “boycotts” the use than the whole organization will not reap the benefits. And the change will fail.

Such introductions will often raise resistance from employees who will be frightened to loose their job or status.

Therefore, to guide the change, the introduction of the new construction requires additional attention and focus on culture to change the habits around the construction in the organization. In the hospital environment, the introduction of the system should be constantly guided with support so that it will be used. Including measures to prevent the use of the old-habits.

Another example where a new construction will not automatically lead to a change in habits is the deployment of a new bicycle track on a public boulevard near the sea. An example that is simple and striking because it’s use and misuse is hardly to cover-up. In this specific example the bicycles are associated with foreign culture and the construction – the new bicycle track – is a symbol of change that raises resistance amongst the local citizens.

This is noticeable when you observe the use of the track. It is used for bicycles but many people use it as a walking path too. Whether this is deliberately to boycott the new track or more unconscious that people are not used to a special track for bicycles only remains unclear.

But the example shows exactly how changes are (not) managed when a project is limited to the construction only. In this case the lack of police control will make that the change will take too long to fulfill.

A new construction is a solid vehicle to provoke a change. But to really change peoples behavior you cannot rely on the construction only...except for a limited number of constructions, like the bridge: once you build a new one to connect to previously separated areas, people will start to use it without additional support is required... But this is only the exception.

© 2007 Hans Bool

Hans Bool writes articles about management, culture and change. If you are interested to read or experience more about these topics have a look at: Astor White or sign-up for our newsletter.

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