The impact of organisational change on employees: A study of Spar Arundel, a division of Innscor Corporate Retail, Innscor Africa Private Limited

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine and ascertain the nature of the impact that the process of organisational change undertaken within Spar Arundel, a division of Innscor Corporate Retail- Innscor Africa limited, from January 2011 to July 2012 has had on employees. This study also examines the change management strategies used and how the change process impacted on the employees. This study was based on a case study of Spar Arundel supermarket. The research was undertaken in the social world, and was theoretical in nature, gathering empirical data through questionnaires while using quantitative research paradigms as basis. A quantitative research approach was taken with respect to the employees and managers of Spar Arundel supermarket in order to assess the impact of change on the employees and to gauge employee satisfaction. A total of 112 respondents were secured out of 172 employees. The critical success factors for successful implementation of a change process entail transparent employee involvement at every stage of the change process. In light of this, the outcome of the survey indicated that the change vision was not communicated while employee involvement was minimal. Analysis of the perceptions and attitudes of employees towards senior management revealed total mistrust. Furthermore, the analysis clearly indicated that the change impacted negatively on the employees. The study does not aim at being statistically representative, the company which was selected, Spar Arundel supermarket, may not be a full representation of all Spar supermarkets under Innscor Corporate Retail. Change management though not a new subject for Zimbabwean companies continues to be poorly implemented leading to employee unrest and lack of productivity. This study is a contribution to helping enterprises in finding the best approach as well as giving examples for academic studies on how the organisational change management process can be implemented efficiently and effectively.