University of Twente Student Theses
The relation between the simple organisational structure and employee change readiness : a multiple case study
Koehorst, N.G. (2025) The relation between the simple organisational structure and employee change readiness : a multiple case study.
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| Abstract: | In today’s dynamic business environment, employee change readiness is vital to successful organisational change. While research has primarily focused on complex organisational structures, this study explores how the simple structure influences employee change readiness. Through a multiple case study involving three organisations undergoing change, semi-structured interviews with employees revealed three key findings. First, simple structures reduce distance between employees and the central leader, enhancing perceptions of management support and appropriateness. Second, differing levels of involvement in coordination and decentralisation result in varying employee roles and attitudes, which can positively or negatively affect readiness depending on individual experiences. Third, the strategic apex’s focus on core operational activities, along with overlapping employee roles, fosters a sense of efficacy and perceived management support. Notably, personal valence was not influenced by structure, while organisational culture moderated many relationships. The central leader’s style and behaviour emerged as crucial to shaping employee change readiness. This study contributes to the literature by revealing overlooked complexities within simple structures and their impact on change readiness. Practically, it underscores the need for transparent communication, clear expectations, active involvement, and adaptive leadership to support effective change in simple structures. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 10 humanities in general, 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106250 |
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