Provide a summary of your understanding of the change management issues
Maria Smith has a successful career in Marketing having lead numerous successful
marketing initiatives at Zion’s operations in Oregon, USA. The majority of her initiatives
resulted in improvements in the Company’s bottom line. Maria was known for her vision,
humility and excellent relationship with staff. Maria led a team of ten (10) persons in
Oregon.
As a result of her success Maria was offered an attractive opportunity to lead a team at
Zion’s New Zealand operation. The change would allow Ms. Smith to utilize her
marketing experience, as well as earn an attractive remuneration. Maria considered the
change an excellent opportunity, however, it meant a relocation for her family. Her family
lived in Oregon for more than a decade. Based on research Maria noted that the marketing
strategies and leadership styles in New Zealand differed from what she traditionally
practiced and she found Hofstede's Six Dimensions of Culture informative. Maria
recognized the importance of being familiar with Goldman’s six leadership styles and the
need to be a change agent in her new position. Maria decided to utilize a change
management model and effective assessment tools to enhance the operation of Zion’s New
Zealand operation.
Zion’s New Zealand operation historically a success experienced a decline in profitability
due to the changing economic landscape and competition. Over the past two decades Zion’s
Operation in New Zealand was led by Zack McKenzie. Zack was a leader who exercised
total control and oversight of the marketing strategy and was reluctant to change his
strategy significantly despite declining bottom- line. Zion’s New Zealand Operation
comprised of fifty (50) persons.
Maria will replace Zack who is eight months away from retirement. Helen Rodriquez,
Assistant Director always expected that she would be promoted to Zack’s position, as the
organization traditionally promoted from within.
The announcement of Maria’s posting caused Helen to become disappointed. Furthermore,
staff at the New Zealand office became worried about how the change in leadership would
impact their jobs and responsibilities. Even though Zack exercised total control and
oversight, staff were accustomed to his leadership style and knew what to expect.
1) Provide a summary of your understanding of the change management issues involved in
the case
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