Evolution, Not Revolution

Abstract

Effective management of change is critical for all organizations, including those providing construction and engineering services. Organizational change is practically ubiquitous. The view of this phenomenon that prevails for managers depends on their understanding of its opportunities and challenges. The view of the phenomenon that prevails for employees depends on their trust of management, which is based on how they were treated in the past, and how they are included in change processes. An incremental change conceived to proactively address probable future organizational needs, while minimizing turmoil and providing the best opportunity for employees, delivered success for a functional division of a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers district. The writer, who was not immediately responsible for the restructuring activity, reconciles his personal observations of the case with organizational change management theory. It may stimulate discussion of necessary manager knowledge and behavior that can lead to improved organizational change management in engineering and construction service organizations.