Question

Chapters-Case Study #2-Making OverAvon Read pages 259-260 in the textbook. Answer the following discussion questions thoroughly. One word or one sentence answers are never enough 8-15 What external forces for change do you see described in this case? Would you describe Avon's environment as more "calm waters" or "white- water rapids?" Explain. 8-16 Why would it be more important for the CEO to look at those external forces when planning organizational change? 8-17 Why might it be dificult to change a company that's over 130 years old? 8-18 Avon is truly a global company. How might this affect the CEO's efforts to implement organizational change?

Answer 1

answer-

15- Avon has definitely seen many changes since its creation in 1886. Wow, they've been through many different experiences and culture changes. A couple of external changes could be the change in technology and change in the people. Change in technology encompasses the way we work and the way we do work. With Avon being a "sells" position, this role will need to change since more and more people do online shopping and don't really like the door to door salesperson approach. Also, the people that work for Avon is changing and the people who want to use the product are changing as well. People want information on their social media accounts for products. Many people don't stay at home anymore, so the door to door approach is failing. I would describe Avon's environment more of a "white-water rapid" experience currently. I would say they are struggling to stay in the boat. They are trying to keep up with the changes that are happening, and then bam another change happens. Just like a wave in a river.

16- Examining all of these changes can help implement a correct plan to tackle these changes and move forward. These plans will ultimately be long-term and organization wide goals and changes. Through these changes the employees will be affected as well, and the company does not want to continue to lose more employees. The CEO can do surveys to get the feedback from employees to assess their attitude and view about the changes that may come. Avon can also seek outside resources for advice on how to implement the proper changes.

17- The company can give some resistance to the changes that need to happen. Especially with Avon being such a long-standing company. The company may seem uncertain about these change and resistant to pursue them. Also, the company has done the same thing for many years with the door-to-door sells. This is a habit for them. Many people do things out of habit, and they don't like the change. Either the company or the salesperson may have concern that they will lose money with the change. Also, some people may think all of the changes don't coincide with what Avon believes and what their goals should be.

18- With Avon being all of the world in many other countries, and especially with their success in all these other countries besides the U.S. They may be apprehensive to make too many changes. The CEO has to keep in mind and encourage innovation for the changes to occur globally. Success in business today demands innovation. Companies must create new products and services and adopt state-of-the-art technology if they want to compete successfully. Innovation is to channel the creativity into useful outcomes.