Local Change

Implementing Organizational Change Through Kotter’s Approach Name Institution Course Code and Title Instructor Date Introduction The business landscape is constantly evolving thus; businesses should be vast in adapting to the changes for long-term success. Change can either be big or small but presents a constant phenomenon that requires careful planning and execution (Skobelska, 2023). In this paper, we shall explore the process of leading a small dessert business through a transition from traditional party desserts like cupcakes and cakes to becoming a sustainable local/organic market for the community. Also, we shall use the award-winning methodology of Kotter’s approach which has produced a lasting change for many organizations. Company Overview Our dessert business is known as Heaven Sent Bakery and has been in successful operation for the past five years. The business has specialized in crafting delectable cupcakes and cakes for various events such as birthdays and weddings. Unfortunately, the business has been affected by the recent changes in the market trends and consumer preferences that have caused a decline in demand for traditional party desserts. The leadership of the business wants to ensure sustainability as a strategic shift toward becoming a local/organic market to promote revenue generation and business growth. Diagnosis The demand for cupcakes and cakes has reduced due to many factors. The first is that customers are now attracted to healthier products from the ingredients to the production process besides being environmentally sensitive. The shift in consumer preference has been influenced by the need for healthy living following the rise of lifestyle illnesses. Secondly, the global COVID-19 pandemic affected the demand for party desserts due to a shift in social gathering norms (Mayo, 2021). The changes have caused a reduction in larger-scale events. Lastly, large bakeries and grocery stores have affected the competitive landscape as they offer similar products as Heaven Sent Bakery reducing the market share. Kotter’s 8-step approach Create a sense of Urgency Creating a sense of urgency at Heaven Sent Bakery through communicating effectively on the need for change to the stakeholders. The highlights elaborate on the key market trends and identification of potential risks that would alter the maintenance of the status quo. Also, relevant data and examples should be attached. In this process, Heaven Sent Bakery should effectively pass the message by conducting a thorough market trend analysis and determining the current consumer preferences, changes in the industry, and competition landscape (Skobelska, 2023). The analysis helps identify the reduced demand for traditional part desserts such as cupcakes and cakes which can be gathered from the statistics on the market research reports. The consumer preferences present the shifts to healthier options and environmentally sustainable products, which can be communicated through examples of the growing demand for organic and locally sourced ingredients and artisanal products. The industrial dynamics produced the extent of the changes in the dessert industry that were also influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic when social gatherings and event norms changed the planning. Further, the competition landscape helps us understand what other bakeries or food businesses have adapted to the changes in the market demand successfully and embraced organic foods and sustainable practices (Mayo, 2021). This can be illustrated by showing how Heaven Sent Bakery would lose its market share and revenues if it failed to adopt the changes. The analysis should therefore entail potential risks of inaction such as declining sales, profitability, and inability of the business to grow. In the analysis, relevant stakeholders include the employees, suppliers, customers, and community members. The stakeholders should be allowed to contribute willingly to the conversations and their feedback should be valued. Also, they should understand the urgency of the matter and support the need to transition to a sustainable organic market model. Form a powerful coalition The coalition can be established through engaging a dedicated team with employees, suppliers, and community stakeholders to drive the transition process. The team should comprise persons with expertise, influence, and commitment to ensure a successful transition. First, key stakeholders both internal and external with their crucial roles in the process should be identified. The internal stakeholders are such as management and employees from different departments while the external stakeholders are such as the suppliers or consumers. Upon their identification, their expertise and influence are assessed by looking at their skills relevant to specific areas of transition such as organic certification, community engagement, or sustainable sourcing. Also, the roles and responsibilities of the coalition members should be clear, providing their specific contributions to the transition process (Adin, 2021). Hence, accountability and easy alignment of the bakery’s overall objectives and sustainability vision. Second, the senior leadership should be engaged to secure the buy-in and support. obtaining an endorsement from the leaders enables the organization to easily garner resources and make strategic decisions without barriers. Hence, the senior leaders should champion the transition thus empowering the coalition to move the process forward. Third, a cross-functional team comprising members from the different departments within the bakery should be constructed. The team ensures the diversification of perspectives and expertise which promotes collaboration and innovation in the transition (Trawick & Carraher, 2023). Additionally, it fosters cohesion and trust due to communicating regularly, recognizing achievements, and encouraging teambuilding activities. Ensure open dialogues to obtain mutual support and overcome challenges within the transition process. Fourth, the organization should collaborate with suppliers, external partners, and local farmers in sourcing organic ingredients to support the bakery's transition to a sustainable model. A strong relationship should be maintained for trust, transparency, and shared values for smooth alignment and collaboration. Last, community stakeholders such as local business associations, residents, and environmental groups can be involved and their input and involvement can be requested (Ziataki, 2023). Communicating with them helps identify their concerns and get opportunities for collaboration that would be beneficial to the bakery and the community. Create a vision for change A clear and compelling vision for Heaven Sent Bakery should be developed to inspire stakeholders and guide the transition process. In the vision, the bakery's commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and quality should be deposed and it should align with the company’s values and long-term objectives. The proposed vision statement reads as follows; “At Heaven Sent Bakery, we intend to develop desserts that meet sustainability, community, and quality. We are committed to transforming into a thriving local/organic market that is considerate of the people and the planet. Also, we shall ensure to source the finest organic ingredients, support local farmers,...