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ACCA Strategic Professional · Strategic Business Leader · Managing strategic change

Brandt Engineering is considering a rapid transformation of its business model. The CEO has a clear view of the end state and wants to avoid a long period of uncertainty. Staff are anxious, and a few key managers have said they will leave if the pace is too fast. Which statement is most consistent with the theory of change types and the implications for the approach?

Big bang change fits the CEO's wish for speed, but it brings resistance and the risk of losing key managers. These risks must be weighed against the benefits, and a directive style is justified only if time is critical. Incremental routes can still be transformational over time.

  1. ABig bang change suits the CEO's aim, but the risks of resistance and loss of key staff mean that the CEO should weigh these against the benefits of speed, and may need a coercive or directive style only if time is shortCorrect
  2. BIncremental change should be rejected because it cannot lead to transformational outcomes in any circumstances
  3. CEvolution is impossible, since it requires a crisis to trigger it
  4. DRevolution is the only approach that avoids resistance because it removes the need for consultation

Explanation

Big bang change is rapid and suits situations where time is short, but it carries risks of resistance and loss of staff, which must be weighed. Directive or coercive styles are generally appropriate only when speed is critical. Incremental change can achieve transformation over time (evolution), evolution does not need a crisis, and revolution typically heightens resistance.

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