This study was an evaluation of the change management strategy implemented at Formchem Chemicals (KZN). A triangulation method was used where an exploratory study was conducted initially by drawing up a case study and thereafter conducting a quantitative study to evaluate the change strategy. In order to conduct a more focused design only four factors impacting on the change management process were considered. These factors were effective change planning, communication, resistance to change and job satisfaction. Information for the case study was mainly obtained from interviews and focus groups. The pattern matching technique was performed on the case study, where the strategy implemented was compared to those recommended in literature. Questionnaires were administered to the twenty employees in the department undergoing the change. Descriptive statistics were carried out on the information received from the questionnaire. It was found that there was effective change planning and communication. Management impacted positively on the resistance to change and there was an increase in job satisfaction levels. Statistical analysis also showed positive relationships between change planning and level job satisfaction, communication and a positive impact on resistance to change and finally a positive impact on resistance to change and level of job satisfaction. The management team at Formchem Chemicals (KZN) had taken all aspects into account when designing the change strategy as recommended by information gathered from literature and certain areas in communication and planning needed to be improved.

Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.