Navigating the Waters of Tech Enablement: Operational Change Management vs. Cultural Change Management
In the ever-evolving landscape of tech enablement, organizations are faced with the daunting task of navigating the waters of operational change management versus cultural change management. Drawing from insights shared during our recent webinar, we delve into the complexities and challenges inherent in this journey.
From a macro perspective, the market paints a picture of both opportunity and complexity. As one industry expert pointed out, clients require guidance to navigate these waters effectively. Strategic advisory sessions and co-creation opportunities abound, offering avenues for collaboration and innovation. And amidst this complexity, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) emerge as invaluable allies. They offer a unique vantage point, deeply ingrained within client environments: They possess intimate knowledge of end-user frustrations and technology pain points. Because of that, MSPs are well-positioned to bridge the gap between program sponsors and technology solutions.
The path to successful tech enablement is fraught with challenges. Technology solutions are not one-size-fits-all; they must be tailored to meet business realities for every individual client. This necessitates a nuanced understanding of industry best practices, external market influences, and internal organizational dynamics. As client businesses undergo rapid transformation, siloed working between IT, Procurement, and HR presents a formidable barrier. Another layer of change management begins post implementation – cultural. To achieve cohesion, these disparate conversations must converge, facilitated by a central body vested in all aspects of organizational strategy and change management.
Operational Change Management
Operational change management is an ongoing process that begins at implementation and continues throughout the program life cycle. By implementing a Managed Services Provider (MSP) and Vendor Management System (VMS), the focus is on technical and procedural adjustments, risk assessment, and user training. Typically, there is a formal change management process within each implementation that includes communication, training, and overcoming challenges or resistance by targeting each stakeholder group. The MSP helps to keep the parties aligned on the technical aspect. Which brings us to…
Cultural Change Management
With cultural change management, the focus lies in addressing the beliefs, values, and behaviors within an organization – in this case to support the operational change of MSP/VMS solutions – to ensure the program is fully adopted. The MSP plays a role in this type of change management by fostering collaboration, encouraging adaptability, and shifting mindsets through continued communications to address the behavioral dimensions in a program.
Sustainable Growth Requires Both
At the heart of these challenges lies the imperative for inclusive decision-making in change management. Multiple stakeholders must be engaged to ensure alignment between operational and cultural change initiatives. By fostering collaboration and breaking down silos, organizations can navigate the complexities of tech enablement with agility and resilience. In doing so, they pave the way for sustainable growth and innovation in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
In navigating the complex waters of tech enablement, nextSource stands ready to support your organization every step of the way. As your Managed Service Provider (MSP), we offer tailored solutions to address both operational and cultural change management challenges. From strategic advisory sessions to co-creation opportunities, we collaborate closely with clients to ensure alignment between technology solutions and business objectives.
Our consultative approach, coupled with deep industry expertise, enables us to guide you through the process with confidence. nextSource can help your organization navigate tech enablement and the change management processes that go hand-in-hand.
Interested in learning more about this topic? Go here to listen as industry luminaries discuss their insights into operational and cultural change management and how it affects tech enablement for contingent workforce management.
