Introduction
Change is of great necessity if life is to be better than it is. Change involves three fundamental aspects, Modeling, Supporting and Rewarding. For change to take place efforts are needed so as to make it come true. The aim of this paper is to look at change and the processes involved in bringing a cultural change. Focus will be given to the events I observed about cultural change.
Change and Culture
Change is a significant parameter in any society, organization or community. As such it is normal for people to recognize the need for change and participate in the process of bringing it to accomplishment. There are several events that have taken place world over with the aim of bringing change to reality. One event that I have critically observed and examined was the cultural change that was brought about in America (Posner & Kouzes, 2003). This began with the American civil rights movement which was pioneered by none other than Martin Luther king. The process of ushering change in America was not easy and of course involved a lot of troubles here and there (Rowland & Higgs, 2005). Under normal circumstances, change involves three distinct aspects, modeling, supporting and rewarding. It is an established fact that for change to take place there must be people behind it. The role of these people normally is to come up with the change they want to see. Mahatma Gandhi once said that, “You must be the change you wish to see.” Therefore the first step of change is modeling; The American civil rights movement began with a clear vision of what change they wanted to see. In other words Martin Luther and his comrades modeled the change which they wanted in America. Their vision entailed a racial free America where people of all ethnic backgrounds enjoyed the same rights (Spears & Greenleaf, 2002). The second most important aspect of change is supporting. The American civil rights movement had the support of many who believed that change was necessary. For change to take place, the support of other people is necessary. Reward came in the form of achieving the dream of equality and emancipation. America is a free society due to the efforts of the many that modeled, supported and finally achieved the dream of change.
I would like to see free world without discrimination and strife. The world should be a society in which all people live together in harmony without conflict, where disputes are solved in an amicable way. The change that I desire is for all communities and cultures in the world appreciate one another and end the strife that is common in our current society (Behery 2005). Through this, the world will be a better place for us and for the future generations. My role in the whole process of bringing this change to fruitfulness is spreading awareness about the need for change. I am willing to move around the world preaching unity and peace to all nations. This will make all people to embrace each other and embark on the road to harmony.
Conclusion
Modeling, supporting and rewarding form the foundation of any successful change effort. In order to achieve a dream of change in a culture there must be a vision coupled with support from other people as well as reward. The paper has examined an article about leadership and explored a change phenomenon I observed. My opinion of change in society has also been part of the paper.
References
- Behery, M. (2005). Change and culture: the balanced scorecard and the Egyptian fertilizer manufacturing sector. Glasgow: University of Glasgow.
- Posner, B. & Kouzes, J. (2003). The leadership challenge workbook. Washington: John Wiley & Sons.
- Rowland, D. & Higgs, M. (2005).Change and culture: an examination of the relationship between organization culture and approaches to change. Washington: Henley Management College.
- Spears, L. & Greenleaf, R. (2002). Servant leadership: a journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. California: Paulist Press.