No discussion of resistance would be complete without a brief mention of the politics of change. Because change invariably threatens the status quo, it inherently implies political activity. Managers who have spent a long time with an organization and who have achieved a senior position in the hierarchy are often major impediments to change. For them, change can be a very real threat to their status and position.

Yet they may be expected to implement changes. By acting as change agents, they can convey to stockholders, suppliers, employees, and customers that they are addressing problems and adapting to a dynamic environment. Of course, as you might guess, when forced to introduce change, these longtime power holders tend to implement incremental changes. Radical change is often considered too threatening.