Significance of Six Sigma Change Management

Six Sigma change management is a structured approach that transforms organizations from their current state to a better future state. Change generally implies innovation which is the basic sense of introducing something new into an organizational environment. Organizational changes are usually the activities aimed at strengthening and developing the performance of an organization as well as sustaining its existence.
 

Certain activities may be altered to facilitate better results and reduced costs; this is the entire premise of the Six Sigma Methodology. The alteration of activities may involve changes in the structure of the organization, modification of tasks, introduction of new products and technology, or a change in attitude among employees. Reactive changes are largely introduced in response to pressure from the external environment.  Proactive changes are introduced because of their usefulness and as a result of an organization feeling that adjustments are necessary. There are a variety of factors that require entities to make changes.
 

Changes in work attitude and commitment are meant to improve relationship and recruitment techniques. This refers to changes occurring in workers attitudes, values and levels of motivation.  An organization may have inappropriate or ineffective people in key posts, employees unwilling to accept changes introduced, or key individuals using their power against the corporate interest. The existing structure in an organization may not be meeting pressure of implementation of a strategy hence calling for changes. There may be too many organization layers leading to stifling of managerial initiative and slow decision making process.
 

The head office at times may exercise too much power over branches and other operational decisions, necessitating change. Inadequate procedures for tracking progress of organizational activities require an organization to make adjustments. In many occasions, modifications are introduced in the organization’s manufacturing system because the existing technology may be obsolete.
 

A company may be facing cash flow problems or an increase in the cost of capital budgets requiring a modification in the budgeting activities of the company. Marketing research may fail to give early notice of key development in consumer tastes and competitors behaviors. Sales personnel may also fail to meet agreed targets. Adjustments also occur when new products are introduced which would require different production, marketing and accounting methods.
 

Organizational managers must learn to respond to both external and internal forces for change. Pressures for change come in so many different factors where managers are forced to spend a lot of time planning or reacting to change. The need for making adjustments should be properly communicated to employees. This enables an individual to fully understand whey changes are needed. If employees participate in decision making, they become more willing to support modifications that they approved.  Because the Six Sigma Methodology is so deeply rooted in change, there are specific professionals used to deal with this process.  The Change Agents are called Six Sigma Black Belts, who also wear project manager hats.  It is their responsibility to get everyone on board with any organizational changes that must be made.