Critical Analysis of Organizational Change: A Case Study Approach

The assignment is an individually written essay of 2500 words plus 500 words of reflection on professional development. The assignment task is to critically analyse a real case study of organisational change (CIPD case study of the HMRC) by applying Organisational Behaviour theories or models from the following OB topics: 

1.Organisational Change

2. EITHER Leadership OR Motivation.

1. Frame and explore the significance of business theory and research in the professional management of people in organisations

2. Identify data and interpret information through analysis and synthesis with literature and communicate in structured logical and evidenced argument

3. Discuss the value of reflective practice for HR professionals and other professional managers in a commercial/organisational context, and reflect constructively on one’s own professional capabilities

Students are provided with a CIPD written case study of Organisational Change at HMRC. Students are required to read the case study and critically analyse the case study according to the assignment instructions above and following the more detailed guidance below.

•Briefly describe the case study:

Provide a brief description of the organisation and the problems it is addressing. Here you can draw upon the case study and any other sources from your own independent research.

•Describe and review ONE or TWO theories or models of Organisational Change that you will use to analyse your situation

Select relevant theories/models with the topic of Organisational Change

Provide a description of the theories/models you are using drawing on MPTO unit resources and independent research and review the theory/model(s), e.g. in relation to other theories/models.

•Critically analyse your situation by applying these theories to the case study

This means the analysing the case study using the “lens” provided by the theories and models (e.g. identifying what type of change is taking place within the case study and providing evidence from the data in the case study of this).

Explore how the theories and models provide a framework for understanding why change is taking place, what type of change is taking place, the process of change, could change have been handled better, was it successful and why?

•Describe and review ONE or TWO theories or models of Leadership OR Motivation that you will use to analyse your situation

Select an OB topic (Leadership OR Motivation) and relevant theories/models 

Provide a description of the theories/models you are using drawing on MPTO unit resources and independent research and review the theory/model(s), e.g. in relation to other theories/models

•Critically analyse your situation by applying these theories to the case study

This means the analysing the case study using the “lens” provided by the theories and models (e.g. identifying what type of leadership is demonstrated in this case study, how are employees motivated, providing evidence from the data in the case study of this).

Explore how the theories and models provide a framework for understanding the importance and impact of leadership/motivation for and on the change process

•Provide a critical reflection on how your learning from this case study can contribute to your professional development. Some examples of the questions you might ask yourself to further your professional development:

What do you take from the lessons learned from your analysis of managing change?

What considerations would you take into account when managing change?

How might you overcome resistance to change?