Evaluation of strategic change at Dow Agrochemicals (KwaZulu-Natal)

Abstract

Every organization has to undergo change at some time or another. To achieve successful change, the management of the organization have to follow a well structured and organized process. This change process poses a challenge to management to ensure that all its complexities are effectively handled. In light of this, the dissertation on hand is an evaluation of the change process at Dow Agrochemicals (KwaZulu Natal) and the impact it has on the organization's strategic objectives. The method chosen for this study was exploratory using a case study and an extensive literature survey. The technique used for this exploration was qualitative. The strategies and techniques for effective change management have been explored through the literature survey, and the information for the case study was obtained from interviews, questionnaires, documentation and observation. The empirical survey has been compared to the literature survey to evaluate the change process in the organization. Although there were pitfalls in the change process, it was found that the overall management of the change process was done well. Recommendations are presented which are intended to improve the change initiative in order to survive in a competitive environment. Lastly, the areas for future research on this subject have been outlined.