There are different types of change. Organizations are composed of four interactive variables. The four variables, or types of change, are technological change, structural change, task change, and people change.

The proper metaphor for the systems effect for managing change is a balanced mobile in which a change in one variable affects the others. Because of the systems effect, you need to consider the repercussions that a change in one variable will have on the other variables, and plan accordingly. With the fast pace of changes in technology, which is moving two to three times faster than management, you need to be flexible and change quickly. The Internet and smartphones have clearly changed the way we live and work.

Some of the major areas of technology change are the following: The computer is a sophisticated machine that is also a part of many other machines. Automation is the simplification or reduction of human effort required to do a job. Computers and other machines have allowed some jobs to be done by robots.

Process refers to how the organization transforms inputs (raw materials, parts, data, and so on) into outputs (finished goods and services, information). The change in the sequence of work in process is a technology change. With the aid of the computer, organizations have changed the way they process information.

Management information systems (MIS) are formal systems for collecting, processing, and disseminating the information necessary to aid managers in decision making. The MIS attempts to centralize and integrate all or most of the organization’s information such as production, inventory, and sales information. It is important to coordinate structure with technology. Structure refers to the type of organization principle and departments used.

Organizations can't change without changes in people by adopting new behaviors. You need to view learning as a career—lifelong—process to advance, and happiness is about behavior change. A change in team membership and in organizational culture are also considered a people change. When changing task, structure, or technology, you should never forget the impact of change on people. Changing any of these other variables will not be effective without considering people change.