Effective change management strategies for organizations: A case study of Karen Walker

Aims: Identify operational issues and challenges related to change in an organisation and recommend techniques to resolve these, describe and/or demonstrate different approaches, strategies and leadership styles for efficient and effective change management in an organisation.

Brief: This assignment focuses on identifying operational issues as well as the appropriate leadership styles that would assist in managing/implementing effective change in an organisation and help to facilitate a positive workplace culture and team engagement.  

Submission Format: The submission will be in the form of two typed documents (one individual and one group) submission and a role play. A final soft copy of the assessment must be submitted via Turnitin on NZSE-Canvas online by the due date.

Standard of English for Level 5 Business Assessments

• All student work that is submitted for assessment must meet the English requirements for Level 5 business writing.
• Any submitted assessment or part of an assessment that falls below the acceptable standard of the English requirements for Level 5 business writing will not be marked.
• If you have any questions regarding the English requirements for Level 5 business writing, please talk to your tutor.

Referencing 

• You must correctly reference all submitted assessments according to APA 6th ed. conventions for both in-text citations and in your reference list.
• You are required to reference because it is important to acknowledge the original source of other people’s ideas, research and opinions, as well as providing evidence of having undertaken independent research to support your own opinion/point of view/hypothesis/argument.
• Your tutor can provide further information and guidance on referencing and also direct you to referencing guides and resources.
• Wikipedia is not considered an acceptable source of reference.

Resits

There is no re-sit opportunity provided. Students must get 50% from all the assessments to pass the course. 

Learning outcomes:
The Learning outcomes associated with this course are:
LO3: Identify leadership styles appropriate for managing change processes in an organisation.
LO4: Demonstrate understanding of how to contribute effectively to change in an organisation and engage others in the process.

Case Study
Adrienne Whitewood takes inspiration from her Maori heritage to create unique pieces with emotional significance. She graduated from AUT in 2009 and produced her first collection in 2010. In 2011 her collection titled ‘Te Aho Tapu’ (The Sacred Thread) won the Supreme title at the Miromoda fashion awards at New Zealand Fashion Week. This prestigious prize included mentorship and the opportunity to exhibit her work at Melbourne Fashion Week. Adrienne Whitewood has won legions of fans of all ages because of her unique couture pieces and printed garments. 

In 2016, as New Zealand’s one of the top fashion brands Karen Walker’s Creative Director, Adrienne Whitewood transformed a brand once associated with louts and hooligans into a strutting statement of New Zealand style. But as Chief Executive she stumbled. The company’s shares have lost nearly one-fifth of their value during her two years in charge. Last month, investors welcomed the news that responsibility for running the company would now be shared between Whitewood, and Elizabeth, who joins as Chief Executive and has three decades of business experience.

Whitewood, who keeps her old title of Chief Creative Officer as well as becoming the company’s first ‘President’, will see no change in her pay package. Her move is not regarded within Karen Walker as a demotion, according to a person briefed on the company’s thinking. ‘We are both the boss,’ Whitewood told the Herald. ‘We both go into the Chairperson of the Board. We are true equal partners.’ Sir John Peace, Chairman, said there was a clear chemistry among the new team. Elizabeth joins from a luxury brand Celine and has held senior positions at luxury groups including Givenchy and Bottega Veneta. As the new Chief Executive, she is expected to focus on operational challenges such as implementing a cost cutting programme and improving the way Karen Walker presents its products in stores, giving Whitewood more time to offer creative input on products.