37 Barriers To Change

Change is an unavoidable reality in organizational life. Like death and taxes, change is part of life whether we like it or not.

Continuity & Change

One of the key thought leaders on managerial theory in the 20^th century was Peter Drucker. Peter Drucker regularly emphasized the importance balancing continuity and change in thriving organizations. Organizational leaders have the responsibility of guiding their organizations in such a way that communities both benefit from time-tested practice (continuity) as well as creativity and innovation (change).

Because change is a reality leaders must engage, it is vital that leaders understand not only their goals in a change process, but also the forces that are working against change.

Hindrances to Change

I’m teaching a graduate course on organizational leadership this semester. Yesterday, our lecture focused on barriers to change. From change theorists like Kurt Lewin on to others today, it is argued that change may only take place if the driving forces working toward change are greater than the restraining forces working to maintain the status quo.

In light of such perspective on change, leaders must be aware of the significant forces, barriers, and hindrances working against change.

I see hindrances or barriers to change grouping around four primary domains:

Intrapersonal Dynamics: barriers that are related to individuals
Interpersonal Dynamics: barriers that are related to the interpersonal relationships between individuals
Team & Organizational Dynamics: barriers related to team and organizational systems and structures
Socio-Cultural or Environmental Dynamics: barriers related to the larger context within which organizations are embedded

In order to better understand the restraining forces at work against change, I present these 37 barriers to change grouped around the four above noted domains.

Intrapersonal Dynamics

Fear of Failure (Personally)
Risk Adverse
Complacency
Fear of Increased Responsibilities
Unwillingness to Experience the Discomfort of Change
Threat to Personal Values & Perspectives
Comfort with what is Familiar (peace before progress)
Suspicion of New Ideas
Focus on Self-Interest
Concerns for Job-Security

Interpersonal Dynamics

Lack of Trust
Resenting Interference of Others
Threat to Status in Community
Feared Loss of Power
Feared Loss of Positive Personal Relationships
Insular Approach to New/External Ideas
Feeling Excluded & Left Out
Poor Communication

Team & Organizational Dynamics

Focus on Past Success and Innovation
Social and Structural Self-Preservation
Institutional Focus over Focus on Purpose
Collective Perspective that Change is Not Feasible
Collective Perspective that Change is Not Necessary
Rule of a Change-Adverse Minority
Lack of Leader Vision & Leader Direction
High Cost (economic and human resources)
Failures Treated as Problems in the Organization Culture
Misalignment of Resources
Lack of Sponsorship by Senior Leadership
Lack of Training on How to Approach Change
Organizational Culture that Is Adverse to Change

Socio-Cultural or Environmental Dynamics

Fear of Failure (Organizationally)
Economically Uncertain Environment
Fear of Unknown Environmental Realities
Concerns for Organizational Competition
Lack of Socio-Cultural Awareness
Not Considering the Needs/Wants/Aspirations of Environment or Society when Approaching Change

___________________________

Change is a reality in our world. Leaders who grow in their awareness of the barriers and restraining forces working against change will be better positioned to find solutions and carve out a positive change pathway for their community. In your organization, what barriers to change are most pronounced and how is your community working to find a productive pathway forward?

Reprinted from Purpose in Leadership.

37 Barriers to Change