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How employees resist ICT-induced organizational change? Insights from “Up in the Air”

Utku Gūğerçin (Adana Alparslan Turkes Science and Technology University, Adana, Turkey)

Leadership & Organization Development Journal

ISSN: 0143-7739

Article publication date: 6 June 2022

Issue publication date: 24 June 2022

529

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore how change recipients emotionally resist information and communication technology (ICT)-induced organizational change in practice stage-by-stage.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a qualitative case study methodology, this paper integrates Kübler-Ross grief model into a hypothetical change initiative in a critically acclaimed feature film, Up in the Air. The unit of analysis is the main character, Ryan Bingham. As a change recipient, Bingham's emotional reactions are analyzed stage-by-stage.

Findings

The study concludes that emotional resistance to ICT-induced organizational change progresses through the five stages in line with Kübler-Ross model. Even though the focus in Kübler-Ross model is on death and dying, the stages in the model are remarkably similar to the reactions of a change recipient. It is also found that the film is an appropriate instrument to demonstrate the complicated reality and intricate details of resistance, providing abundant content for the analysis of psychological components of resistance.

Practical implications

The exploration of stages of emotional resistance may act as a guideline for leaders to follow throughout a change process. The study is expected to prepare the leaders for the reactions of change recipients so that they can deliver strong leadership throughout periods of change.

Originality/value

The originality of the study lies in the fact that it provides an opportunity to advance the understanding of the abstract concept of resistance, bridges the widely-discussed research-practice gap and analyze emotional resistance stage-by-stage by integrating Kübler-Ross model to a hypothetical change initiative.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author would like to thank the editors for opening a path to this article and the reviewers for the insightful comments. The author also wishes to thank Associate Professor Bilge Aksay for the valuable encouragement to pursue sheer academic pleasure. Lastly, the author is indebted to the author’s mother Gülsen Güğerçin for the precious support throughout the preparation process of this article since the author’s mother encouraged the author – even in the period of absence of the author’s mother – to deal with grief. May the author’s mother rest in peace.

Citation

Gūğerçin, U. (2022), "How employees resist ICT-induced organizational change? Insights from “Up in the Air”", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 43 No. 5, pp. 773-787. https://doi.org/10.1108/LODJ-05-2021-0199

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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