Change Management Theory

ABSTRACT

      This paper addresses the application of change management theories at a school. The study begins by a background which shows that we are living in a world where changes are inevitable, it also indicates the specific objectives and the study questions which will be answered later scientifically collected information from the field. The literature review of the study has indicated that there are limited studies about change management done in our country though we have found a few of them from outside Tanzania. Moreover, the study surveys the theories of change management such as political or dialectical theory, teleological theory, life cycle theory, cultural theory, social cognitive theory. The study goes further by giving a methodology for data collection done at Msalato secondary school, the findings and their analysis which if then followed by the recommendations.

BACKGROUND/ INTRODUCTION

The modern World is experiencing rapid changes in various spheres of life. The changes in technology and knowledge sector have transformed the World in a very short period of time compared to any major changes in the World History (Mhando 2010). In education for instance, the world is advocating shifts of educational ideology and technology. These changes include a shift from Education for All (EFA) to Education for Sustainability, a shift from teaching for content development to emphasis in development of competences (Good 1998).These trends of change require the school leadership to be well skilled in Change management theories and practices for the survival and development of their Organizations.

Some research has been conducted in the field of change management as shown below. Some researchers have carried out studies to understand the nature or content of the change (Beer, 1980; Burke, 1993; 1982; 1976; Burke and Litwin, 1992; child and Keiser, 1981 in Mildred, 2008,) and continuous versus discrimination change (Hining and Greenwood, 1988; Romanelli...