Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU) 2005 M.B.A Business Administration Organisational Change and Intervention Strategies - Question Paper

M.B.A. DEGREE EXAMINATION, MAY/JUNE 2005

Faculty of Management Studies

Semester IV – Elective – ORGANISATIONAL change AND INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

(Elective VII for Branches II (b), III (b), Elective IX for Branches II (a), III (a))

Time : 3 Hours 2003 Admissions – 75 Marks
Prior to 2003 Admissions – 100 Marks

part A

ans any 6 ques..

Define/Write short notes on :
1. Organizational change.
2. Causes pressurizing to change.
3. Sources of resistance to change.
4. Organizational diagnosis.
5. Organisational development.
6. Process consultation.
7. Sensitivity training.
8. Change consultants.
9. Survey feedback.
10. Work redesign model.
(6 X three = 18 marks)

part B

11. What are the forces in the organization that favour change? Is it realistic to attempt to institute change, or should the status to be accepted instead?
Or
12. Define the sequential process of organizational change.

13. Discuss the main roles in change management.
Or
14. Summarize Kurt Lewin’s change model.

15. Is valuation an integral part of the OD effort? explain.
Or
16. How likely is it that positive change will persist after the OD effort has ended? What can be done to ensure lasting change?
(3 X 11 = 33 marks)
(3 X 17 = 51 marks)
part C

As a outcome of severe competitive pressure, O2 Manufacturing Ltd. Has suffered a major profit reduction. Although the company’s, overall performance is still profitable, a few divisions are making heavy losses. Consequently the directors are worried that the company will make a loss in the next financial year unless corrective action is taken. The directors have therefore decided to:

(i) Reduce the company’s total head count by 10%.
(ii) Freeze all salary increments (increases for union personnel, however will continue).
(iii) Cancel all training and development programs.
(iv) Cut all departmental budgets by 10%.
(v) Suspend all capital expenditures for 12 months.
(vi) Encourage all employees aged 55 or more to take early retirement.

The directors decision have been communicated to all senior officials in a confidential memo. However, word has leaked out that a “crunch” is coming.

As a consequence:

(i) Two high potential managers scheduled for a merit increase have indicated that if they do not receive their planned increases they will quit.
(ii) Several employees have criticized the pay freeze inequity ranging from union and non-union members.
(iii) The training staff are anxious about their job security.
(iv) The unions have requested an immediate meeting to obtain out what is going on. The union organizer has said to the press if any union members are sacked, there will be strike.

Questions:

1. What are the issues in the case?
2. What action would you recommend the management to take in order to diffuse this situation/
3. What recommendations would you have made to the board to ensure the successful introduction of the planned changes, overcome resistance to change and improper interventions?
(1 X 24 = 24 marks)
(1 X 31 = 31 marks)

Earning:   Approval pending.