Change Management in a Biopharmaceutical Company

Abstract

This study aimed to review the change management implemented in a Biopharmaceutical company in Cape Town in the light of existing literature on change management theory. Three main constructs were identified: process of change, readiness for change and climate of change. A quantitative pencil-and-paper survey were used to explore and describe employee experience of the change management process within a single department of a biopharmaceutical company in Cape Town. Cronbach alpha coefficient confirmed internal reliability (α = 0.94) of the questionnaire constructs. Employees across all ages reported average scores for all constructs (M ≥ 2.5 < 4), indicating a similar experience regardless of age. A medium-strong positive correlation (p < 0.01; r = 0.49) was observed between process of change and climate of change. Based on the findings from the literature review and empirical research, recommendations were made to improve the change management processes and experience within biopharmaceutical companies. This study not only contributes to the body of knowledge on change management literature in the biopharmaceutical context, but also provides insight to a biopharmaceutical company to improve future change management practices.