Journal article
Resistance to organisational change: the role of defence mechanisms
Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol.16(7), pp.534-548
2001
Abstract
Observes that the published literature on resistance to organisational change has focused more on organisational issues rather than individual psychological factors. The present study investigated the role of both adaptive and maladaptive defence mechanisms in individual resistance. Surveys were conducted in nine organisations undergoing major change and responses were obtained from 615 employees. The results indicate that five maladaptive defence mechanisms are positively correlated with behavioural intention to resist change, namely, projection, acting out, isolation of affect, dissociation and denial. The adaptive defence mechanism of humour was found to be negatively correlated with resistance intention. Identifies two intervention strategies which can be used by management to address the effects of defence mechanisms on resistance during periods of change in organisations.
Details
- Title
- Resistance to organisational change: the role of defence mechanisms
- Authors
- Wayne Bovey (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of BusinessAndrew Hede (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Business
- Publication details
- Journal of Managerial Psychology, Vol.16(7), pp.534-548
- Publisher
- Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.
- Date published
- 2001
- DOI
- 10.1108/EUM0000000006166
- ISSN
- 0268-3946
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449734702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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