Abstract

This case study will examine a change effort inside a large, dynamic, global organization at a time when external economic forces had a dramatic affect on the organization’s ability to adapt. While the timing of the economic shift was outside of the control of this organization, it does point out the importance of designing change efforts for maximum flexibility so that they can be adapted quickly as the global business environment becomes increasingly volatile. The results of this case study illuminate the importance of focusing on leadership communication, employee engagement, and sustaining an organizational culture to support adaptation. While these are always important elements of successful transformation efforts, they are especially essential in times of uncertainty and external volatility, such as that experienced in this case.