The Master's thesis entitled "Factors of Change in Italian SMEs - An Empirical Investigation" examines the critical factors influencing the success of Change Management initiatives in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Italy. Using a mixed-methods approach, this Research Thesis aims to address the urgent need for effective Change Management strategies to ensure Italian SMEs' sustainability and competitiveness. Five firms representing a cross-section of the diverse Italian SME landscape were selected and studied using a quantitative survey and qualitative interviews.
The Research Thesis begins with an overview of the Italian economic situation, specifically the situation of SMEs, then a comprehensive literature review, and a detailed methodological section describing the mixed-methods research design. Through a cluster analysis that synthesizes findings from surveys and interviews the Research Thesis finds that Change Management practices in SMEs have been particularly important in light of recent crises. Leaders and employees quote communication and a culture of adaptability as the main factors for managing change successfully. Including employees' expertise and opinions improves company culture and outcomes, allowing for long-term success and implementation of change initiatives. Practical insights highlight factors to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of change management initiatives in Italian SMEs.
In summary, the five factors - effective communication, employee involvement and commitment, strong leadership and strategic direction, appropriate resource allocation and training, and a culture of innovation and adaptability - are a robust framework for understanding the determinants of successful Change Management strategies in Italian SMEs.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- INTRODUCTION
- THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN ITALY
- HISTORY OF CRISES IN THE NEAR PAST
- ECONOMIC DIVISION
- UNEMPLOYMENT
- ECONOMIC POLICY CONCLUSIONS AGAINST THE LOSS OF INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS
- SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN ITALY
- CURRENT SITUATION
- THE FUTURE
- STRATEGIES FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
- SMES' UNIQUE MANAGEMENT MODELS ACCORDING TO SERIO AND SIMON
- INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIES
- LITERATURE REVIEW
- THEORETICAL MODELS ON CHANGE MANAGEMENT
- Lewin's Model
- Kotter's Model
- Similarities between Kotter and Lewin
- EMPIRICAL LITERATURE
- Della Torre & Solari
- Macri, Tagliaventi, and Bertolotti
- May & Stahl
- THEORETICAL MODELS ON CHANGE MANAGEMENT
- METHODOLOGY
- THE MIXED-METHODS APPROACH AS A RESEARCH DESIGN
- SAMPLE SELECTION
- DATA COLLECTION
- Quantitative Questionnaires
- Qualitative Interviews
- DATA ANALYSIS
- Qualitative
- Quantitative
- FINDINGS/ RESULTS
- INTRODUCING THE FIVE SMES
- SURVEYS
- Company A
- Company B
- Company C
- Company D
- Company E
- INTERVIEWS
- Company A
- Company B
- Company C
- Company D
- Company E
- SYNTHESIZING SURVEY AND INTERVIEW INSIGHTS FOR CLUSTER ANALYSIS
- LIMITATION & FURTHER RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This Research Thesis aims to identify the most critical factors for successful Change Management in Italian SMEs by conducting a quantitative and qualitative empirical study. It investigates methods of Change Management in a structured and logical approach to identify determinants of success and areas for improvement.
- The economic situation in Italy and its impact on SMEs
- Change Management strategies and their effectiveness in Italian SMEs
- The role of organizational culture, structure, and processes in successful Change Management
- The importance of sustainable Change Management initiatives for long-term success
- The challenges and opportunities of implementing Change Management in a dynamic economic environment
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The paper begins with an introduction to the topic of Change Management in Italian SMEs, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and change in a globalized market. It discusses the challenges of implementing change initiatives and the need for a structured approach to ensure success.
Chapter 2 provides an overview of the economic situation in Italy, highlighting recent crises, economic division, and the unemployment rate. This context sets the stage for understanding the challenges faced by Italian SMEs.
Chapter 3 focuses on the specific context of SMEs in Italy, exploring the current industry landscape, future developments, and the unique management models proposed by Serio and Simon.
Chapter 4 delves into the theoretical and empirical literature on Change Management, presenting the main models used throughout the study, including Lewin's model, Kotter's model, and their similarities. It also examines existing research on Change Management in Italian SMEs.
Chapter 5 outlines the methodology employed in the research, including the mixed-methods approach, sample selection, data collection methods (questionnaires and interviews), and data analysis techniques.
Chapter 6 presents the findings and results of the research, including insights gained from both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews conducted with five Italian SMEs. The chapter analyzes the data and provides a synthesis of the key findings.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this Research Thesis include Change Management, Italian SMEs, organizational culture, organizational structure, economic situation in Italy, sustainability, empirical research, mixed-methods approach, and success factors.
- Quote paper
- Andreas Evers (Author), 2023, Factors of Change in Italian SMEs. An Empirical Investigation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1420041
