Threat+to+Power+and+Influence

= Threat to Power and Influence= Threat to power and influence is one of the most important barriers to understand. Problems occur when a real change is being introduced and some groups within the organization will be using the change, while others aren’t. People will start to see differences between the different groups and it may effect how the individuals interact with each other.

Zaltmann & Duncan cite a decision making innovation that allowed for more input from teachers. Principals strongly resisted at first, feeling that allowing teachers such input reduced their authority to manage their schools. To overcome this obstacle, it is important for the change agent to anticipate these reactions and try to make adjustments prior to the implementation of the change.

A suggested strategy for minimizing the threat to power and influence is to align those in key positions in implementation with those in key positions of influence or respect in the current system.