University of Twente Student Theses
The influence of structural aspects of a machine bureaucracy on change readiness of employees.
Wonnink, N.K. (2025) The influence of structural aspects of a machine bureaucracy on change readiness of employees.
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| Abstract: | Organizations operating as machine bureaucracies often struggle to balance structural control with the need for adaptability, especially in dynamic environments. This thesis investigates which structural characteristics of machine bureaucracies influence employee change readiness during organizational changes. A qualitative multiple case study was conducted across three organizations undergoing significant change within machine bureaucratic settings. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic coding. Findings show that key structural features—top-down decision-making, rigid hierarchies, hierarchical communication, and an emphasis on efficiency, formalization, and standardization—undermine employee change readiness by limiting perceptions of appropriateness, efficacy, management support, and personal valence. However, structural elements alone do not determine readiness; employees’ daily experiences of these structures proved equally influential. Middle managers played an inconsistent but crucial role in bridging structural gaps, restoring trust and engagement. Additionally, organizational culture moderated these relationships, particularly in international settings where cultural norms around hierarchy shaped perceptions. Change fatigue, reducing motivation and trust in new initiatives, emerged only in one case, suggesting it is not a universal outcome in all machine bureaucracies. This study recommends a multidimensional approach to change management in machine bureaucracies, integrating structural awareness, leadership development, and cultural sensitivity to enhance employee readiness while maintaining efficiency and stability. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Business Administration MSc (60644) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/106323 |
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