Level 4
Assess Reasons and Extent of Resistance
To understand resistance, it helps to view it as a form of communication, although it can be difficult trying to talk to people who are angry and annoyed, but its informative. If the resistance was seen as a form of feedback, (What) is the resistance saying? Imagine sitting on the other side of the situation, how would the new proposals affect what you are doing.
The thing is, people do not resist change when it’s to their advantage, it’s only when they think it’s to their disadvantage that they become reluctant to comply. Their resistance does not necessarily mean it’s associated with extra work or longer hours but it could be that it contravenes personally held views or they may consider that the proposed ideas will be less effective or that the new practices are just unfair.
Reasons for Resistance
Apprehension Resistance
Apprehension about the circumstances
Apprehensive about the consequences
Apprehension relating to personal qualities
Disagreement Resistance
Disagreement regarding the unwanted intrusions
Disagreement regarding the problem
Disagreement regarding the solution
Disagreement regarding the people involved
Extent of Resistance
The strength of resistance can be minimum to excessive.
It can be just one individual or involve a group of people.
The resistance could be peaceful, aggressive or violent.
The resistance could be kept in house or it could be conducted in public.
Resistance can depend on how much power the individual or group has.
Serious long-term resistance could result in a legal battle.
The resistance could have long-term consequences (see Signs of Resistance).