Global Leadership and Change Management on the Example of the German Automotive Industry

TLDR: In this paper, the authors discuss different scientific process theories of change management, such as Teleological theories, Dialectical theories, Life cycle theories and Evolutionary theories, that all regard change as involving a number of events, decisions and actions that are connected in some sort of sequences, but distinguish themselves when understanding change as a structured process.

Abstract: Change Management is a term which is omnipresent in nowadays discussions of all areas, be it politically or economically motivated. This article discusses different scientific process theories of Change Management, such as Teleological theories, Dialectical theories, Life cycle theories and Evolutionary theories, that all regard change as involving a number of events, decisions and actions that are connected in some sort of sequences, but distinguish themselves when understanding change as a structured process. Moreover, the linkage of the interconnected fields of Change Management and Strategy Management are seized. Lastly, the importance and different role of Leadership and Management are discussed before reviewing the historic evolvement of the German automotive industry, as well as its current challenges. It is concluded why Change Management in this industry is nowadays more important than ever due to fierce global competition, regulatory requirements and different technological developments all ending up in distinct client requirements and expectations.