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ACCA Strategic Professional · Strategic Business Leader · Managing strategic change

Harrow Pharma must implement a new regulatory compliance process within four weeks or face penalties. There is no time for consultation, and employees are generally expected to follow instructions. Using Kotter and Schlesinger's approaches to dealing with resistance, which is most appropriate and what is its main drawback?

Explicit and implicit coercion is most appropriate because the deadline is fixed and there is no time for consultation. It is fast and effective for compliance, but its drawback is that it can generate resentment and damage relationships. Participation and education take too long under the stated time limit.

  1. AEducation and communication; it is fast but only works with small groups
  2. BParticipation and involvement; it gives commitment but takes a long time
  3. CExplicit and implicit coercion; it is fast but can leave lasting resentmentCorrect
  4. DNegotiation and agreement; it avoids resistance but may encourage others to demand concessions

Explanation

With a hard four-week deadline and no time for consultation, coercion is the only approach among those listed that is fast enough. Its drawback is that it is risky and can leave people resentful. Participation is slow, and negotiation fits where a powerful group would otherwise resist. Education also takes time.

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