Discussion Responses Week 5

Initial Post (N. Latiff)

1. Understanding the Need for Innovation

For Smithfield to continue to be innovative, all team members must be informed and on-board with the plan as innovation can be begin from any and everywhere within the organization. When the team feels empowered to make some decisions on their own, they will likely have a higher job satisfaction and cultivate new and creative ideas ("Adapting and innovating | Boundless management," n.d.).

2. Significant "Noise" factors

There are several “noise” factors to beware of when planning this change. “Noise” is a barrier to effective communication ("Barriers to effective communication | Principles of management," n.d.). The first is information overload. With so much change happening, over multiple manufacturing sites & many retail locations, it will be pertinent for management to provide clear, concise information and ensure the team understands that information ("Barriers to effective communication | Principles of management," n.d.).

An additional barrier is emotional disconnect. One common fear an employee may have when there is change is that there will be lay-offs. This is an anxiety-inducing thought for many, and information provided to someone in this state is likely to be misinterpreted ("Barriers to effective communication | Principles of management," n.d.).

3. Obstacles to the Acceptance of Change

Lack of communication is one of the largest risks to successful organizational change. Setting clear expectations for teams is the only way to get them onboard ("Adapting and innovating | Boundless management," n.d.).

Cultural barriers can also be an obstacle to change. Figure It Out is made in China, and Smithfield is based in the US. Cultural customs and information lost in translation could be a hindrance to progress ("Adapting and innovating | Boundless management," n.d.).

4. An Effective Change Management Technique

Transparency and effective communication are change management enablers that will help ensure the success of Smithfield Custom Furniture’s acquisition & the innovation to follow. Understanding the reasoning behind the acquisition allows staff to agree with the benefit ("Managing change for employees | Boundless management," n.d.).

5. Possible Decision-making Oversight

For successful leadership strategy, the board must create a definable strategy. This includes assessing risks, costs, ROI, and identifying cultural issues that may factor into the project. Leaders must understand and disseminate this strategy along with specific and measurable goals ("Managing change for organizations | Boundless management," n.d.).