Getting a Handle on IT Change Management

IT change management is a method used by a growing number of organizations to communicate and implement business and technological changes. The process offers a structured approach to managing people and processes throughout an organizational change.

Hilary Lee, national people and change lead at business and technology advisory firm Centric Consulting, views IT change management as a way to successfully drive technology adoption forward. "By reinforcing the actual adoption of a new technology, businesses can quickly show a return on their investment," she says in an email interview. "That's the ultimate goal for any change practitioner in the tech space."

Change management is often overlooked or undervalued, leading to failed initiatives. It's imperative to recognize the significance of change management and to integrate it into the entire project lifecycle from the outset, says Kim Strumwasser, head of client strategy and advisory at BUILT, which provides technologies to real estate and construction organizations. "Ignoring change management until the end can result in costly setbacks and project failures," she notes via email.

Reaching for ROI

Change management gives organizations the ability to achieve their anticipated ROI, engage with affected employees, and minimize business disruption. "Change management is the difference between success and failure," says Beth Thomas, a partner at technology research and advisory firm ISG, in an email interview. "It ensures an efficient process that gets the business and its employees to adoption and business readiness."

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"Organizations want their business value realized — plain and simple," Lee says. Yet technology is only part of the equation. "The ability of people to understand and use that technology is the key to success," she notes. "When people feel empowered, knowledgeable, and supported through a technology transformation — via intentional communication, training, and coaching — the benefits of the investment come much sooner."

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