Behavioral change is a challenging process, whether it is for individuals or organizations. It requires a significant amount of effort, time, and resources to achieve. However, sustaining behavioral change is even more challenging. Many individuals and organizations have successfully made changes, only to revert to their old ways after some time. This is where organizational management plays a crucial role.
Organizational management refers to the process of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling an organization’s resources to achieve its goals effectively. It encompasses various aspects, such as leadership, culture, communication, and performance management. In the context of sustaining behavioral change, organizational management plays a vital role in creating an environment that supports and reinforces the desired behavior.
One of the most significant challenges in sustaining behavioral change is the tendency to revert to old habits. This is because behavior is deeply ingrained in an individual’s or organization’s culture and values. Changing behavior requires a fundamental shift in these underlying factors. For individuals, this may involve changing personal values and beliefs, while for organizations, it may involve changing the organizational culture and values.
However, changing values and culture is not a one-time event. It requires continuous effort and reinforcement to ensure that the desired behavior is sustained over time. This is where organizational management comes in. By creating an environment that supports and reinforces the desired behavior, organizational management can help individuals and organizations sustain behavioral change.
For example, suppose an organization wants to reduce its carbon footprint by encouraging employees to use public transportation or carpooling instead of driving alone. In that case, it can implement various organizational management strategies to support this behavior. This may include providing incentives for employees who use public transportation or carpooling, creating a culture that values sustainability and environmental responsibility, and providing resources such as bike racks and shower facilities to support alternative transportation options.
Another critical aspect of sustaining behavioral change is accountability. Individuals and organizations need to be held accountable for their actions and behaviors. This means having clear expectations and consequences for non-compliance. Organizational management can play a crucial role in establishing accountability by setting clear goals and objectives, monitoring progress, providing feedback, and enforcing consequences for non-compliance.
Moreover, effective communication is essential in sustaining behavioral change. Individuals and organizations need to communicate their goals, expectations, and progress effectively. This requires creating a culture of open communication where feedback is encouraged and valued. Organizational management can facilitate effective communication by establishing clear channels of communication, providing training on effective communication skills, and encouraging open dialogue among employees.
In conclusion, sustaining behavioral change is a challenging but essential process for individuals and organizations. Organizational management plays a crucial role in creating an environment that supports and reinforces the desired behavior. By changing values and culture, establishing accountability, and facilitating effective communication, organizational management can help individuals and organizations sustain behavioral change over time.
References:
1. Robbins, S.P., Coulter, M., & DeCenzo, D.A. (2017). Fundamentals of management. Pearson Education.
2. Cameron, K., & Quinn, R.E. (2011). Diagnosing and changing organizational culture: Based on the competing values framework. John Wiley & Sons.
3. Kotter, J.P. (1996). Leading change. Harvard Business Press.