Introduction
Peter Senge – The Fifth Discipline
Peter Senge wrote a book called “The Fifth Discipline.” In this, he discusses the change in organisations using biological and ecological metaphors. For example, he explains why different tree seeds grow in different shapes and sizes — because evolving processes help the tree survive.
Senge talks a lot about the challenges and risks you will face during the change process.
Challenges while initiating change
These challenges often have similar causes in many organisations. That is because those affected:
- May not have the time to work on the change
- May not have the support to implement the change
- May not understand the change.
Challenges while sustaining the transformation
While sustaining the change, some examples of disturbances to the stability of change are:
- Loss of job security
- Lack of trust between staff
- Loss of control.
Challenges while redesigning and rethinking the change process
It is very challenging to spread new practices effectively. As a result, ‘self-reinforcing processes’ are created. They could be either positive or negative feedback loops:
Positive feedback loops (virtuous circles) can include:
- New business practices
- New learning capabilities
- Involvement of people
- Investment in change initiatives
- Credibility
- Enthusiasm
- The will to commit.
Negative feedback loops (vicious circles) can include:
- Bad business results
- Low performance
- Complaints
- Personal issues.
