Clement manages a large business unit in a global corporation. Recently, the business unit has experienced recruiting failures. Clement needs to change the long-standing recruiting process, although many staff will resist any changes, including Scott, a tremendous talent but a "loose cannon." Scott has been vocal in his criticism of the recruiting program. What is a covert tactic that Clement might successfully employ to change his recruiting program and gain the staff's acceptance of the changes?
A) Design the new program over a weekend, and announce it on Monday, to be effective immediately.
B) Use "new blood" to design and implement the change, not the key stakeholders who are affected by the change.
C) Withhold communication about the nature of the change or its logic.
D) Use co-optation by asking Scott to serve a significant role in the change process.
E) Announce that incentives (promotions and bonuses) will be withheld until all resistance to change ceases.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using co-optation by asking Scott to serve a significant role in the change process can be a successful covert tactic to gain staff acceptance of the changes. This will not only address Scott's concerns but also makes him feel more involved and invested in the new program's success. This will likely reduce his resistance and gain support from others who respect his input.

Clement Manages a Large Business Unit in a Global Corporation