Int.

Journal of Management and Development Studies 7(3): 52-61 (2018)

ISSN (Online): 2320-0685. ISSN (Print): 2321-1423

Employee Engagement and Organizational Change: A study on the Role of

Employee Engagement in Successful Change Management Initiatives
Dr. Jignesh R. Vaja1 and Jignesh Bhatt2
Abstract:

Employee participation in organisational change management activities is the focus of this

research. Organisational transformation initiatives may benefit greatly from the level of
employee buy-in they get. This research delves into what "employee engagement" is and how it's
defined, how it relates to effective change management, and what variables help or hurt
engagement efforts. Employee involvement during organisational transformation is also studied,
along with the methods, leadership practises, and communication techniques that boost it. The
research also looks at the ethical implications involved in managing employee engagement
during transition and the long-term influence of employee engagement on change results.
Organisations may improve change outcomes by fostering employee engagement via a thorough
grasp of the role engagement plays in change management.

Keywords: employee engagement, organizational change, change management, change

initiatives

Introduction:
The level of participation shown by workers is an essential component of an organization's
overall effectiveness, especially during times of transition and adjustment. In order for
organisations to stay adaptable and sustainable as they negotiate the difficulties posed by ever-
evolving markets, technology, and competitive landscapes, they often need to execute different
change efforts. However, the effectiveness of these attempts to change rests heavily on the active
engagement and dedication of individuals in the organisation. Therefore, it is necessary to have a
solid grasp of the notion of employee engagement as well as the function that it plays in the
process of organisational transformation.

According to Kahn (1990), the term "employee engagement" refers to "the emotional and
intellectual commitment that employees have towards their work and the organisation." It goes
beyond just being satisfied with one's employment and represents the degree to which workers
feel engaged to their work, are driven to do their best, and are aligned with the organization's
aims and values. According to Bakker and Demerouti (2017), engaged workers exhibit traits
such as enthusiasm, proactivity, and a willingness to go the additional mile to accomplish their
organization's goals.

1
Associate Professor, Geetanjali Institute of Management Studies – Tankara (Morbi)
2
Assistant Professor, The KPES college, Bhavnagar

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The idea of employee engagement involves a number of different dimensions and aspects, all of
which contribute in some way to the motivation and commitment of employees. (Saks, 2006)
Identifies these as elements such as a person's level of work satisfaction, organisational
commitment, engagement in decision-making processes, and possibilities for personal growth
and development. According to Rich et al. (2010), employee engagement is a complicated
concept that is impacted by aspects linked to the person, the work, and the organisation. When
organisations have a good understanding of the many dimensions and aspects involved, they are
better able to build strategies to encourage and maintain high levels of employee engagement.

The idea of employee engagement, as well as the dynamics around it, have been the subject of
investigation by a number of different theoretical frameworks and models. One of these models
is called the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, and it proposes that the engagement of
workers is impacted by the interaction between the demands of the job (such as the amount of
work they have to do and the amount of time they have to do it) and the resources of the job
(such as social support and autonomy) (Bakker & Demerouti, 2007). The JD-R model
hypothesises that workers will feel better levels of engagement in their work when the job's
resources are ample and handled in an efficient manner.

The Engagement-Disengagement Continuum is another well-known model that divides workers

into three distinct groups: those who are engaged, those who are not engaged, and those who are
actively disengaged (Gallup, n.d.). This paradigm emphasises the significance of resolving
disengagement as a means of preventing bad repercussions and actively increasing engagement
as a means of driving good organisational results.

When organisations have a foundational understanding of these theoretical frameworks and

models, they have the ability to build interventions and practises that promote employee
engagement throughout organisational transformation. An atmosphere may be created in which
workers feel appreciated, motivated, and actively participated in the change process by aligning
change efforts with the elements that encourage engagement. This environment can be created by
organisations by aligning change initiatives with the factors that promote engagement.

Employee Engagement in Change Management

In order to thrive in today's fast-paced business world, companies must implement change
management strategies. The effectiveness of these initiatives to implement change depends
heavily on the participation of the workforce. This literature review investigates the elements that
affect employee engagement throughout organisational change, the significance of employee
engagement in change management, and the correlation between employee engagement and the
effectiveness of change projects.

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When it comes to managing change, employee engagement is critical since it determines how
open and receptive people are to the new ways of doing things. Employees that are engaged are
more inclined to welcome change, work through it constructively, and go above and beyond the
call of duty to help bring about positive results. They are more committed, motivated, and
resilient to change's difficulties (Alfes et al., 2013), which benefits them greatly. To add to this,
Rich et al. (2010) found that workers that are engaged are more likely to be open to change, learn
quickly, and adjust their behaviour accordingly. Therefore, in order to ensure the greatest
possible success of change management activities, it is crucial that organisations prioritise and
encourage employee participation.

Engaged workers are more likely to adapt positively to organisational change, according to
studies. Employees that are invested in the success of the organisation are more likely to buy into
the change and embrace it wholeheartedly (Eisenbeiss et al., 2008). They take initiative by doing
things like making recommendations, looking for ways to help out, and working together to
make the change happen (Rafferty et al., 2013). Positive social impact and the cultivation of a
change-supportive culture may be attributed in large part to engaged workers (Bakker et al.,
2014). Increased implementation success, more employee happiness, and better overall
organisational performance are among the results you may expect from an organisation where
employees are actively involved in the change process (Macey & Schneider, 2008).

Understanding the elements that affect employee engagement during organisational change is
critical for successful management of change efforts. Employee buy-in to a change initiative is
significantly influenced by the level of leadership support and participation (Herscovitch &
Meyer, 2002). Leaders who convey the need of change, provide clear guidance, and show their
dedication inspire confidence and trust in their followers (Appelbaum et al., 2012). Participation
in decision-making processes and employee empowerment both boost engagement (Caldwell et
al., 2012), which in turn helps workers adapt better to change. Additionally, communication is
critical in engaging workers throughout change by disseminating accurate and timely
information, resolving concerns, and facilitating debate and feedback (Van den Heuvel et al.,
2015). Ford et al. (2011) found that workers' involvement levels were highly impacted by the
availability of resources, training, and support during times of transition. Employees are more
likely to be invested in their work when their organisations make an effort to improve their
abilities, provide sufficient assistance, and coordinate their resources with their change goals.

Employee buy-in is crucial for successful change management. Positive organisational results
may be achieved via the effective implementation of change, which in turn is facilitated by an
engaged workforce. Critical variables influencing employee engagement during organisational
transformation include leadership support, staff participation, clear communication, and the
availability of tools and assistance. Organisations may build a culture of participation and
increase the success of change programmes by learning about and fixing these issues.

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Strategies for employee engagement during change management

Employee buy-in is essential for any change management effort to succeed. Employees that are
invested in their work are more inclined to welcome and help implement change, which benefits
the organisation as a whole. Organisations may apply a variety of measures to increase employee
participation, motivation, and commitment during times of transition. In light of pertinent
research results, this section examines some of these tactics and their significance in supporting
employee engagement during change management.
• Transparent and Timely Communication: Communication that is both transparent and
timely is crucial for keeping workers motivated during times of transition. Employees'
buy-in to a change in strategy requires clear explanations of why it's happening, how it
will affect them, and where the company is headed (Holtzhausen et al., 2017). Resistance
and anxiety may be lessened by timely communication that dispels rumours and clarifies
concerns (Beer & Nohria, 2000). Trust, respect, and a feeling of belonging may flourish
in the workplace when leaders keep employees informed, encourage criticism, and
provide spaces for open discussion (Herold et al., 2008).
• Employee Involvement and Participation: Employees are more likely to stick with a
new policy or procedure if they had a hand in crafting it. Giving workers a voice in the
workplace has been shown to increase their sense of agency and engagement (Caldwell et
al., 2012). Better problem-solving, more creative solutions, and more openness to change
are all possible when they are included in the process (Weiner et al., 2012). Focus groups,
seminars, and cross-functional teams are examples of participatory techniques that may
boost employee engagement by instilling a feeling of communal responsibility and
purpose in the workforce (Wong & Cummings, 2009).
• Leadership Support and Visible Sponsorship: Employees are more likely to buy in to a
change if they feel their leaders have their backs. Trust and confidence are built when
leaders publicly support the change, share the vision for it, and include their teams in the
process (Eisenbeiss et al., 2008). They act as examples for the rest of the team,
encouraging them to follow suit (Appelbaum et al., 2012). It is important for leaders to be
approachable and responsive to employee concerns and suggestions in order to create a
climate that is both supportive and collaborative (Herold et al., 2008).
• Recognition and Rewards: When workers are rewarded for their efforts and
contributions at a time of transition, they are more likely to remain engaged and
motivated. Employees are more likely to feel appreciated when their efforts are
recognised, when they get feedback, and when they are offered incentives or promotions
(Jaiswal et al., 2018). Employees' needs and goals should be taken into account when
designing an appropriate recognition programme (Gentry et al., 2015). When employees
are appreciated in this way, it strengthens the connection between their efforts and the
company's success.

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 • Continuous Learning and Development: Investment in staff learning and development
during change management increases participation and flexibility. Employees are better
prepared to adapt to a changing work environment if their employers provide them with
training programmes, seminars, and resources that help them acquire new skills and
abilities (Ford et al., 2011). Opportunities to learn encourage employees to adopt a
growth attitude, boost their self-esteem, and highlight the company's dedication to their
professional development (Eisenbeiss et al., 2008). Employee engagement may be
increased and the difficulties of adapting to change can be mitigated by coaching and
mentoring (Chinowsky et al., 2018).

Organisations may increase staff buy-in for change management projects by adopting these
practises. An atmosphere where workers are appreciated, motivated, and actively participate to
the change process is created via open and timely communication, employee engagement and
participation, leadership support and sponsorship, recognition and awards, and ongoing learning
and development. Research shows that when employees are involved in the change process,
good results including greater acceptability, dedication, and performance may be achieved
(Rafferty et al., 2013), making these tactics all the more appropriate. When companies put their
employees first during change management, they provide the groundwork for a smooth transition
to the new way of doing things and sustained success..

Role of Leadership in Employee Engagement during change:

Leadership is crucial in encouraging staff participation throughout transition. Change
management results may be greatly improved when leaders place a premium on employee
participation throughout organisational transitions. In this article, we examine the theoretical and
empirical data supporting the significance of leadership in increasing employee engagement
during times of transition.
• Setting a Compelling Vision: Leaders play a crucial role in setting and expressing a
compelling vision for change. They should explain why they're implementing this
modification and what they want to achieve from it (Appelbaum et al., 2012). Employees
are more likely to be invested in organisational transformation when they have a clear
and compelling vision to work towards (Eisenbeiss et al., 2008). Leaders may encourage
more buy-in from staff throughout the transition by highlighting the positive outcomes
that will result from their efforts.
• Leading by Example: Employees are more likely to embrace change if their leaders are
enthusiastic about it themselves. Leaders inspire and encourage followers through
modelling dedication, passion, and participation (Herold et al., 2008). When leaders take
engage in change activities, solicit employee opinion, and display a positive attitude, they
create a supportive and engaging atmosphere in which employees may thrive (Beer &
Nohria, 2000). Trust, credibility, and buy-in from workers are all boosted when
management leads by example.

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• Effective Communication: Communication is a key leadership competence for

encouraging staff buy-in during times of transition. Throughout the process of
transformation, leaders should maintain an atmosphere of openness, honesty, and
transparency in their communications (Herscovitch & Meyer, 2002). They need to keep
workers informed, address their problems, and take their suggestions seriously
(Appelbaum et al., 2012). Leaders may increase employee engagement by establishing a
climate of trust and inclusion via open communication and participation (Holtzhausen et
al., 2017). Leaders that take advantage of opportunities to communicate with their teams
may better ensure that their initiatives are understood and supported by their teams.
• Empowering Employees: Giving staff more responsibility is a key leadership practise
that increases buy-in during times of transition. Leaders should allow workers to make
choices and participate in the transformation process by giving them more responsibility
and more freedom (Caldwell et al., 2012). Employees are more invested in the company's
success when they are given the authority to make decisions, take initiative, and use their
own knowledge to implement change (Wong & Cummings, 2009). Leaders encourage
participation, teamwork, and creativity in the face of change by giving their people
agency.
• Recognizing and Supporting Employees: Effective leaders show appreciation for their
workers' efforts and successes by publicly acknowledging them. Increased motivation is a
direct result of showing employees that their efforts are appreciated and valued (Jaiswal
et al., 2018). Leaders who care about their employees' happiness and productivity
throughout the transition should provide chances for personal and professional
development available to them (Chinowsky et al., 2018). Leaders may increase loyalty,
motivation, and engagement by recognising and responding to workers' needs.

Employee involvement and empowerment in change initiatives

Successful organisational transformation projects are driven by widespread employee
engagement and empowerment. Employees' levels of commitment, motivation, and ability to
contribute to the change process all increase when they are given agency in shaping that change.
In this section, we examine the academic and empirical data supporting the relevance of
employee participation and empowerment in change programmes.
• Employee Involvement in Change Initiatives: Employee engagement is the process of
including workers in decision-making, problem-solving, change initiative planning, and
change initiative execution. Better decision-making, more openness to change, and better
results may be achieved when workers are given a voice in the process (Caldwell et al.,
2012). Participation in organisational transformation projects has been shown to increase
workers' dedication, pride, and responsibility (Jain & Thakur, 2016). Employees that are
actively engaged in the transition have a better grasp of the benefits and implications of
the shift, which lowers resistance and makes for a more seamless rollout (Choi, 2011).

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 Employee participation fosters a culture inside an organisation that is open to change by
encouraging a feeling of shared responsibility, cooperation, and joint effort (Rafferty et
al., 2013).
• Empowerment during Change Initiatives: Empowering workers during change
initiatives means providing them with the freedom, responsibility, and means to steer the
course of the transformation on their own. Caldwell et al. (2012) found that when
workers feel empowered, they are more invested in their work and motivated to do their
best. Empowered workers are more willing to accept change, take calculated risks, and
adopt novel approaches to their job (Ford et al., 2011). When workers feel trusted and in
control, they are more likely to use their initiative and initiative to find solutions to
problems and generate new ideas during times of transition (Chinowsky et al., 2018).
Successful change projects need a culture of responsibility, continual learning, and
flexibility (Weiner et al., 2012), all of which may be fostered by giving workers more say
in their work.
• Benefits of Employee Involvement and Empowerment during Change: There are
many positive outcomes that may result from including and engaging workers in
transformation activities. In the first place, it encourages more loyalty, enthusiasm, and
participation from workers by making them feel like they have a stake in the outcome of
the transformation (Choi, 2011). As a result of this heightened involvement, performance
and productivity are enhanced during times of transition (Jain & Thakur, 2016). Second,
according to the literature (Rafferty et al., 2013), companies with high rates of employee
engagement and empowerment have more responsible and proactive workers. Worker
initiative in finding problems, making changes, and accepting responsibility for the
results of the change increases. Third, a culture of continuous learning and innovation is
fostered when people are given the leeway and support to try new things, make mistakes,
and try again (Ford et al., 2011). The capacity to quickly adjust to new circumstances is
fostered through this.

Organisations should give workers with clear information, training, and support throughout
change projects in order to successfully include and empower employees. Employees need to
know why the change is happening, what it hopes to achieve, what role they will play in the
process, and what tools and support they can expect to get (Choi, 2011). In addition, businesses
should provide training and development programmes to help workers acquire the knowledge
and abilities they'll need to adapt to change (Caldwell et al., 2012). In addition, leaders should
foster an atmosphere of trust and open communication so that staff members feel comfortable
sharing their thoughts and concerns and actively engaging in the change process (Jain & Thakur,
2016).

Successful transformation programmes need widespread participation and autonomy from

employees. Employees are more invested, committed, and cooperative when they are given

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opportunities to contribute to strategic planning, issue solving, and decision-making. Employees'
involvement, motivation, and initiative all increase when they are given more responsibility,
freedom, and resources to do their jobs. Improving dedication, responsibility, flexibility, and
creativity are just few of the upsides of incorporating and empowering workers throughout
transition. Organisational cultures that promote employee input and autonomy are more open to
change, have more engaged workers, and are more likely to see their initiatives bear fruit.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this research emphasises the need of employee participation in effective change
management programmes. The results show that engaged workers positively affect a wide range
of facets of organisational transformation, including employees' perspectives, actions, and
output. Employees who are invested in their work and its consequences are more likely to accept
change, contribute to the change process, and reap the benefits of their efforts. It becomes clear
that leadership backing, open lines of communication, employee participation, and employee
empowerment are crucial in fostering employee engagement during times of transition.
Successful change implementation, increased employee happiness, and higher organisational
performance may all be attributed to an organization's emphasis on employee involvement
throughout the change management process. Organisations may better manage transitions and
accomplish their change goals if they recognise the importance of employee involvement in
driving successful change projects.

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