Resilience, Change Management, and Business Sustainability amidst the Pandemic among the Employees of the University of Cebu

Wissenschaftliche Studie , 2023 , 64 Seiten

BWL - Unternehmensführung, Management, Organisation

This study aims to determine the level of Resilience, Change Management, and Business Sustainability amidst the pandemic among the workforce of the University of Cebu - at Pardo and Talisay Campus Inc. The informants' resilience was evaluated based on the following factors: self-belief, optimism, purposeful direction, adaptability, inventiveness, challenge orientation, emotion control, and support-seeking. The level of change management was measured in terms of the change vision and message question, change goals, change plans, management, people, and barrier removal. Then the level of business sustainability was measured using supplemental declarative statements highlighting the practices businesses have implemented to become more sustainable. Descriptive correlational design was utilized to ascertain the relationship between variables, while the comparative design was used to contrast the differences between the rank and file and supervisory positions.

Results showed that employees have a moderate level of resilience or were found to be just resilient, but not to the extent of being highly resilient. Change Management components showed that employees garnered a lower general weighted mean in barrier removal and management components. Business sustainability found that the employees practice sustainable business practices with room for improvement and genuine implementation. Comparative analysis between the rank and file of the employees and the supervisory level showed no significant difference in their perceptions of the three variables measured. Various recommendations on the components of the variables being studied were also discussed. Further organizational action plans were recommended to increase the levels of the studied variables.

Abstract

This study aims to determine the level of Resilience, Change Management, and Business

Sustainability amidst the pandemic among the workforce of the University of Cebu - at Pardo and Talisay Campus Inc. The informants' resilience was evaluated based on the following factors: self­belief, optimism, purposeful direction, adaptability, inventiveness, challenge orientation, emotion control, and support-seeking. The level of change management was measured in terms of the change vision and message question, change goals, change plans, management, people, and barrier removal. Then the level of business sustainability was measured using supplemental declarative statements highlighting the practices businesses have implemented to become more sustainable. Descriptive correlational design was utilized to ascertain the relationship between variables, while the comparative design was used to contrast the differences between the rank and file and supervisory positions. Results showed that employees have a moderate level of resilience or were found to be just resilient but not to the extent of being highly resilient. Change Management components showed that employees garnered a lower general weighted mean in barrier removal and management components. Business sustainability found that the employees practice sustainable business practices with room for improvement and genuine implementation. Comparative analysis between the rank and file of the employees and the supervisory level showed no significant difference in their perceptions of the three variables measured. Various recommendations on the components of the variables being studied were also discussed. Further organizational action plans were recommended to increase the levels of the studied variables.

Keywords: University of Cebu - at Pardo and Talisay Campus. Resilience. Change Management. Business Sustainability. Correlation. Comparative. Cebu. Philippines

Resilience, Change Management, and Business Sustainability Amidst the Pandemic Among the Employees of the University of Cebu at Pardo and Talisay, Inc. 3

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

Change is constant and gradual, and it is essential to adapt to these changes to survive and thrive. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic, unprecedented changes that pose a challenge to every business and organization around the world. In order to sustain business operations and traverse these dilemmas, resilience and significant changes in terms of management are necessary. This study aims to explore the degree of resilience, change management, and business sustainability among the employees of the University of Cebu at Pardo and Talisay, Inc. By analyzing various factors that affect the employees' level of resilience. Change management, business sustainability, and identifying areas for improvement, this study seeks to provide valuable insights on how businesses can navigate disruptive changes and emerge stronger. Ultimately, the ability to effectively manage change and maintain sustainability will determine the long-term viability of businesses in the post-pandemic world.

According to Ikpe, Edwinah, and Amah (2003), organizational resilience is described as the capacity to respond swiftly in the face of unanticipated changes that obstruct business operations and recover from the setback immediately, equipped with determination and the appropriate support (Tamunomiebi et al.; Damiete, 2020). For an organization to be resilient, it must have the flexibility to adapt to new circumstances quickly, a clear understanding of its strengths and weaknesses, and a strong communication strategy that ensures all members of the organization are on the same page. By focusing on these areas, businesses can increase their chances of successfully navigating disruptive changes and emerging more robust than before. Barasa, Edwine, et al. stated that material resources, preparedness and planning, information

Resilience, Change Management, and Business Sustainability Amidst the Pandemic Among the Employees of the University of Cebu at Pardo and Talisay, Inc. 4

management, collateral paths and redundancy, governance procedures, leadership practices, organizational culture, human capital, social networks, and collaboration affect organizational resilience.

Change management is among the fundamental changes every organization must adapt to due to disruptive events. Grimolizzi-Jensen (2018) definedchange managementas the process by which an organization manages the transition from its current state to a desired future state. It involves a structured approach to managing change to minimize potential negative impacts and maximize the benefits. Organizations must implement effective change management strategies to maintain resilience when faced with disruptive events. This involves a structured approach to managing the transition from the current state to the desired future state while minimizing negative impacts and maximizing benefits. Grimolizzi-Jensen (2018) definedchange managementas an essential process.

Changes within organizations can have a negative effect on employees, causing resistance and decreased productivity. In the study of organizational behavior, the level of organizational or employee resistance to change as a direct consequence of organizational change is high; similarly, the level of unpleasant emotions that might be the direct outcome of organizational change is also high (Sagie et al., 1985; Sagie & Koslowsky, 1994; Huy, 2002; Timmieson et al., 2004; Kiefer, 2005, as cited in Tamunomiebi, Miebaka & Lawrence, 2020; Damiete, 2020). Therefore, implementing change management strategies becomes crucial to ensuring a smooth transition while engaging employees in the process and addressing their concerns. Effective change

Resilience, Change Management, and Business Sustainability Amidst the Pandemic Among the Employees of the University of Cebu at Pardo and Talisay, Inc. 5 management can also help organizations realize the benefits of change and achieve long-term success.

Business sustainability is crucial for organizations to operate long-term (Savitz & Weber, 2006). It requires businesses to use policies and procedures that are good for the environment, work with the people who matter, and take responsibility for how their operations affect society. Key factors contributing to business sustainability are resource efficiency, waste reduction, and social responsibility (Madsen & Ulhi, 2016). Effective change management practices can support organizations in implementing these factors and achieving sustainable success. Therefore, organizations need to adopt effective change management strategies that consider the impact of their actions on the environment and society and ensure that any changes made align with their sustainability goals. Effective change management can help organizations achieve their short-term and long-term objectives while contributing to their overall sustainability.

Hence, the purpose of this research is to analyze the levels of employee resilience in terms of their self-belief, optimism, purposeful direction, adaptability, ingenuity, challenge orientation, emotion regulation, and support seeking, and the level of change management in terms of change vision and message question, change goals, change plans, management, people, and change people, barrier removal within the University of Cebu at Pardo and Talisay, Inc. Practices in business sustainability will also be measured at different levels and compared according to respondents' rank and file. This research has the potential to provide insights into best practices for environmentally responsible corporate operations and development opportunities. Companies may improve their prospects of long-term success while positively influencing the environment,

Resilience, Change Management, and Business Sustainability Amidst the Pandemic Among the Employees of the University of Cebu at Pardo and Talisay, Inc. 6 the economy, and society if they prioritize the growth of their employees and their capacity to adapt to change. The results of this research shall serve as the basis for the organization's business continuity plan.

Statement of the Problem

This study will Explore the levels of resilience, change management, and business sustainability among the employees of the University of Cebu at Pardo and Talisay, Inc. The findings of which will be the basis for a business continuity plan.

Specifically, it will endeavor to answer the following:

- What is the level of resilience among the respondents?
- What is the level of change management among the respondents?
- What is the level of business sustainability among the respondents?
- Is there a significant relationship among the following?

4.1 Level of resilience and level of change management;

4.2 level of resilience and level of business sustainability;

4.3 level of change management and level of business sustainability?

- Is there a significant difference among the perceptions of the respondents when grouped according to:

5.1 Rank and file; and

5.2 Officers/Supervisors

- What business continuity plan can be developed based on the findings of the study?

Resilience, Change Management, and Business Sustainability Amidst the Pandemic Among the Employees of the University of Cebu at Pardo and Talisay, Inc. 7

Scope and Delimitations

This study aims to explore the degree of resilience, change management, and business sustainability among the employees of the University of Cebu at Pardo and Talisay, Inc. By analyzing various factors that affect the employees' level of resilience, change management, and business sustainability and identifying areas for improvement, this study seeks to provide valuable insights on how businesses can navigate disruptive changes and emerge stronger.

The respondents' resilience will be evaluated based on the following factors:self-belief, optimism, purposeful direction, adaptability, inventiveness, challenge orientation, emotion control, and support-seeking. On the other hand, the level of change management will be measured in terms of thechange vision and message question, change goals, change plans, management, people, and barrier removal. Additionally, the level of business sustainability will be measured using supplemental declarative statements highlighting the practices that businesses have implemented to become more sustainable.

The study delimits itself to evaluating the respondents' degree of resilience, level of change management, and business sustainability based on specific factors and measures. It does not discuss additional facets or factors since they are beyond the purview of the research. This research's respondents only include the University of Cebu employees at Pardo and Talisay, Inc.

Significance of the Study

The purpose of this study is to explore the degree of resilience, change management, and business sustainability among the employees of the University of Cebu at Pardo and Talisay, Inc. The following are some of the areas that might benefit from the study:

Resilience, Change Management, and Business Sustainability Amidst the Pandemic Among the Employees of the University of Cebu at Pardo and Talisay, Inc. 8

Theemployeeswill have the opportunity to obtain insights into their level of resilience, capability to deal with change, and contribution to the organization's ability to remain sustainable. In addition, the study's findings can serve as a basis for developing interventions aimed at strengthening the overall productivity and success of the University of Cebu.

Administratorsat the university will be able to identify the degree to which the strategies and policies that have been put in place are contributing to the employees' wellbeing and opportunities for professional growth. In addition, the study has the potential to assist them in identifying areas of concern and potential growth in order to guarantee that the institution maintains a constructive and encouraging working atmosphere. Furthermore, the findings can also be used to create a benchmark for the university to measure its progress and promote a culture of continuous improvement in employee wellbeing and development. This may result in a higher rate of employee retention, a rise in general satisfaction, and an improvement in the institution's functioning. In the end, the findings of this research will be utilized to design a business continuity plan for the institution that considers the health and growth of its staff members. This can ensure that the university can continue to operate effectively even during difficult times while maintaining a positive work environment for its staff and not compromising the quality of education and services provided to students. This can be accomplished by maintaining a positive work environment. Because the university places a high priority on the health and growth of its workforce, it can cultivate a workforce that is both more productive and more engaged, which, in the long run, will make the university a more prosperous and sustainable institution.

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CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Resilience

Resilience is a broad concept explored in various fields, including psychology, sociology, management, and other social sciences. At the individual level, resilience refers to the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity, trauma, or stress. It is seen as a protective factor that can help individuals navigate difficult situations and maintain their mental and emotional wellbeing. Research on resilience has expanded over the years, with numerous studies examining its various dimensions, factors contributing to its development, and implications for individuals across different age groups and cultural backgrounds.

In the context of organizations, resilience refers to the ability of an organization to survive and thrive amidst adversity or turbulence. It involves anticipating, coping with, and adapting to adversity and transforming a crisis into an opportunity. Organizational resilience is critical in today's rapidly changing and unpredictable business environment. It is about the ability to bounce back from setbacks and proactively prepare for and navigate challenges.

Organizations with a high level of resilience are better equipped to withstand disruptions, maintain stability, and continue delivering value to their stakeholders. Additionally, research has shown that resilient organizations are more likely to innovate, seize opportunities, and achieve long-term success. As a result, there is a growing interest in understanding the factors contributing to organizational resilience and how it can be cultivated and enhanced within different industries.

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In light of the drastic changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations need to investigate resilience and actively work towards building it. The pandemic has disrupted businesses worldwide and highlighted the importance of resilience in navigating such challenges.

Several approaches have been proposed for building organizational resilience. One approach involves developing scripted routines, simple rules, and the ability to improvise. This can help organizations respond more effectively to highly changeable environments. Another approach involves building an agile organization with self-sufficient teams and adaptable leaders while investing in talent and culture. This can help organizations respond more effectively to complex business challenges.

Change Management

Change management is the process of planning, implementing, and guiding individuals, teams, and organizations through a period of transition or transformation. It involves assessing the need for change, developing a strategy, and executing it to ensure a smooth transition. Change management is essential in today's rapidly evolving business landscape, as organizations must constantly adapt to new technologies, market trends, and customer demands.

Effective change management requires a range of skills and competencies. It involves effective communication to ensure that all stakeholders know the reasons for the change and its benefits. Stakeholder engagement is also critical, as it helps to build support for the change and address any concerns or resistance. Change management also involves managing resistance to change, which can arise from various sources, including fear of the unknown, loss of control, or concerns about job security.

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One of the critical challenges in change management is overcoming resistance to change. This can involve addressing the underlying concerns driving resistance and providing support to help individuals adapt to the change. For example, if employees are concerned about job security, it may be helpful to provide reassurance about their prospects within the organization. If employees resist new technologies, it may be helpful to provide training and support to help them develop the necessary skills.

Successful change management can lead to a range of positive outcomes for organizations. It can increase employee satisfaction by involving them in the change process and addressing their concerns. It can also improve productivity by streamlining processes and introducing new technologies. Effective change management can ultimately enhance organizational performance by enabling organizations to adapt to changing circumstances and seize new opportunities.

In addition to these benefits, successful change management can help organizations build resilience. By proactively preparing for and navigating through challenges, organizations can develop the ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue delivering value to their stakeholders. This can involve developing scripted routines, simple rules, and the ability to improvise in response to changing circumstances.

Business Sustainability

Every business or organization must adhere to various laws, regulations, and responsibilities. This includes social, economic, ethical, and environmental responsibility. By fulfilling these responsibilities, businesses contribute to the overall sustainability of their operations. Social responsibility involves considering the impacts of business decisions on society and stakeholders, such as employees, customers, and local communities. Economic responsibility

Resilience, Change Management, and Business Sustainability Amidst the Pandemic Among the Employees of the University of Cebu at Pardo and Talisay, Inc. 12

entails ensuring financial stability and profitability while considering long-term economic viability. Ethical responsibility involves conducting business with integrity, honesty, and fairness toward all stakeholders. Lastly, environmental responsibility requires minimizing negative impacts on the environment through sustainable practices and resource conservation. By integrating these responsibilities into their operations, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future for themselves and society.

Business Sustainability is the practice of operating a business to ensure long-term success while minimizing its impact on the environment and society. It involves finding innovative ways to reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote social responsibility. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can not only improve their reputation and attract environmentally conscious customers but also contribute to the overall well-being of the planet. This can include implementing energy-efficient technologies, using renewable resources, and supporting local communities through various initiatives.

In today's world, where environmental issues are becoming increasingly urgent, business sustainability is not just a trend but a necessity. Businesses must proactively reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices. This can involve setting sustainability goals, measuring progress, and reporting on their sustainability performance.

In addition to these benefits, sustainable practices can help businesses reduce costs and improve their bottom line. For example, implementing energy-efficient technologies can help businesses reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. Using renewable resources can help businesses reduce their dependence on non-renewable resources and mitigate the risks associated

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with price volatility. Supporting local communities through various initiatives can also help businesses build stronger relationships with their stakeholders and enhance their reputation.

Review of Related Studies

Resilience

In the contemporary context of a dynamic and uncertain world, resilience emerges as an essential determinant for individuals and organizations. Resilience is the capacity to effectively adjust and recover from challenging circumstances, traumatic experiences, or high-stress levels. Within organizations, resilience encompasses the capacity to foresee, manage, and adjust to challenging circumstances while leveraging crises as catalysts for growth and advancement.

Numerous studies have been undertaken on the subject matter of resilience, explicitly focusing on organizational resilience. According to a study published in the Harvard Business Review, organizations can effectively navigate and prosper in times of uncertainty by cultivating scripted routines, implementing simple rules, and fostering improvisation. These strategies can assist organizations in enhancing their responsiveness to dynamic and volatile environments. The study highlights that proficient organizations possess firmly established procedures for accomplishing tasks. However, these procedures may become ineffective when confronted with elevated levels of uncertainty or the necessity to expedite actions during a crisis. Organizations can enhance their performance and bolster their resilience by implementing scripted routines, employing straightforward rules, and cultivating the capacity for improvisation.

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A study published in ResearchGate definesorganizational resilienceas the inherent capacity of a system or an organization to adapt its operations in anticipation, during, or after periods of change and disruptions, to maintain necessary functions in both anticipated and unanticipated circumstances. The present study also acknowledges that organizational resilience is a multifaceted construct interconnected with organizational resources, routines, and processes.Resilienceis a multifaceted construct encompassing individuals, groups, and organizations, contingent upon the interplay and dynamics between these various levels.

According to the Academy of Business Research Journal, organizational resilience is characterized as the capacity of an organization to effectively navigate and respond to various forms of change while concurrently fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation to sustain growth and development. This implies that organizations have the potential to enhance their resilience through proactive efforts to acquire knowledge from past experiences and adjust their strategies in response to evolving conditions.

Change Management

Change managementis a comprehensive procedure that encompasses the strategic planning, execution, and facilitation of individuals, teams, and organizations during a period of transition or transformation (Kotter, 1996). The process encompasses the evaluation of the necessity for alteration, formulating a strategic plan, and implementing a said plan to facilitate a seamless transition (Armenakis & Bedeian, 1999). Implementing efficient change management practices is imperative for organizations to successfully navigate and respond to evolving circumstances and capitalize on emerging prospects.

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According to Suarez and Montes (2020), in order to effectively navigate and succeed in periods of uncertainty, it is recommended that organizations cultivate scripted routines, establish straightforward rules, and foster the capacity for improvisation. These strategies can assist organizations in enhancing their responsiveness to dynamic and volatile environments. The study highlights that proficient organizations possess firmly established procedures for accomplishing tasks. However, these procedures may become ineffective when confronted with elevated levels of uncertainty or the necessity to expedite actions during a crisis. Organizations can enhance their performance and bolster their resilience in any situation by implementing scripted routines, adhering to simple rules, and cultivating improvisational capabilities.

In a study conducted by Morain and Aykens (2022), it was observed that the inclination of employees to endorse organizational change experienced a decline from 74% in 2016 to a mere 43% in 2022. This underscores the significance of proficiently overseeing resistance to change and involving employees in the change process. The study posits that organizations must proactively address employee concerns and cultivate support for change initiatives.

According to Sirkin, Keenan, and Jackson (2005), companies must allocate equal attention to the intricate components of change management alongside the soft elements. Individuals can enhance the likelihood of achieving success by placing rigorous emphasis on four essential components - namely, duration, integrity, commitment, and effort. The aforementioned factors encompass the duration, integrity, commitment, and effort associated with a change. Duration refers to the time required for the change to be fully implemented. Integrity pertains to the competence and effectiveness of the change team. Commitment refers to the support exhibited by

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senior management and employees toward the change. Lastly, effort denotes the work necessary to implement the change successfully.

Furthermore, a substantial body of literature exists on change management, in addition to the studies mentioned above. The studies mentioned above propose that the successful implementation of change management necessitates a confluence of individual attributes, robust interpersonal connections and networks, and organizational strategies such as establishing scripted routines and straightforward guidelines (Oreg et al., 2011). Organizations can enhance their ability to navigate periods of transition or transformation by acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the factors that contribute to successful change management and proactively fostering them.

Business Sustainability

Business sustainability entails the strategic management approach organizations employ to ensure their long-term viability while concurrently mitigating their ecological and societal footprints (Dyllick & Hockerts, 2002). The process entails identifying and implementing novel strategies aimed at diminishing waste, preserving resources, and fostering social responsibility (Schaltegger & Burritt, 2005).

According to a McKinsey (2022) study, numerous companies are actively incorporating sustainability principles into their operational frameworks. These companies actively pursue objectives beyond the traditional focus on reputation management. These objectives include initiatives to conserve energy, create environmentally friendly products, and foster employee retention and motivation. The study highlights that these endeavors have the potential to enhance corporate performance and make a positive contribution to the global ecological balance.

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• Autoren: Ben Simon Robles (Autor:in), Diadem Grace Ong (Autor:in), Albim Cabatingan (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2023
• Seiten: 64
• Katalognummer: V1372787
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346909732
• ISBN (Buch): 9783346909749
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: resilience, change, management, business, sustainability, pandemic, employees, university, cebu