Anticipating & Minimizing Resistance - Session 8

While improving assessing & improving readiness can help reduce resistance, it is rare that change can be brought about without facing some resistance. In my work at NYU's Office of Global Programs (OGP), I have seen many examples of resistance to change. In many instances, I think this resistance can be attributed to the simple fact that all change involves the "loss of what was and a transition to what will be" (Spiro, 2011, Loc. 274). Many of NYU's study abroad centers have been around long before NYU's centralized OGP was created. For example, the NYU Paris program was founded by the French Department back in 1969. NYU Paris was later taken from the French Department by the OGP. Since the program was originally run by the French Department, the traditional leadership has often resisted changes made by the OGP.

Over the coming year, the OGP leadership hopes to ensure that all Global sites' academic calendars are meeting Middle States accreditation standards. Since the NYU Paris calendar is currently well short of the required 14 weeks of classes, their calendar will have to be changed. Even if proper steps are followed to maximize readiness, the OGP leadership should recognize that resistance from the traditional NYU Paris leadership in the French Department will be inevitable.

A couple of points from the chapter "Step 4 - Minimizing Resistance While Maximizing Your Tolerance for It" seem especially relevant for this situation. In particular, OGP leadership should take care not to assign blame for the current calendar, or focus on what is wrong with it. OGP should acknowledge that there were good reasons for the current calendar set up, but that closer scrutiny of the academic quality of the Global Network University makes it necessary to ensure all calendars meet certain standards.

Another key things OGP leadership should consider is to not try changing too many things at once. If they would like to change NYU Paris's calendar for future semesters, it should not try to initiate other changes at this time. There will definitely be resistance to changing the calendar, but it can be minimized if it is not accompanied by other changes, which would make the NYU Paris leadership feel that their successful program is being completely changed for no reason.

Lastly, OGP leadership needs to assess their tolerance for resistance before embarking on this effort. I think that without a doubt their will be resistance to this change. OGP leadership should anticipate this resistance, and be prepared to work hard to overcome this resistance if they wish to accomplish change.