Rejection+of+Outsiders

=Rejection of Outsiders= In the article //Grappling with Implementation// by Jerry W. Hedge and Elaine D. Pulakos, the authors define rejection of outsiders as a form of resistance that occurs "when change is introduced by an external change agent, there may be resistance merely because the individual is considered an outsider who cannot possibly know what is best for the organization."

It could be argued that having a school environment that has the ability to filter new ideas is a positive attribute. Every school has, at one time or another, been addressed by a pushy salesperson trying to sell the next great thing in teaching and learning. Avoiding these empty promises is a benefit to the organization and rejection of outsiders is a plus. However, for the change agent with a positive innovation, this rejection based on the mere lack of membership as an insider can be a major hurdle to successful change.

This form of resistance can be combated by including those affected by the change in the entire change process. Also, as stated by Ellsworth, rejection of outsiders can be "diffused by focusing on dissemination of an innovation that creates the conditions for successful implementation of the desired change." For example, a principal who would like the math department to begin using TI graphing calculators can set the stage for change by providing training and introductory information to the math department staff. This would create conditions that are more likely to foster a smooth change implementation.