| This study utilized a qualitative grounded theory design to examine the experiences that retired senior leaders within the Department of Defense (DoD) used to implement organizational change. The study examined participants' perspectives on change management strategies, how these perspectives are shaped, and how these perspectives guide future change management initiatives. The analysis of their lived experiences served to develop a theory that explains the process of change implementation strategy development that senior DoD leaders employ to implement effective change. The theory derived from the analysis is presented as follows: Successful Change Strategy = 5 Keys (Planning, Leadership, Maximum Involvement/Buy-in, Communication, Flexibility) for Strategy + Organizational Culture (Size, Trust, Empowerment) + Preparing for Change (Resistance, Avoidance of Unnecessary Change, Experience). The researcher analyzed data from 25 face-to-face interviews with senior level DoD leaders that openly and candidly discussed their thoughts on change implementation within large DoD organizations. |
