Melvin, A. Botha& Leon T.B. Jackson

Abstract

Organisations frequently implement change initiatives to enhance efficiency and effectiveness while utilising minimal resources. The implementation method of a change initiative significantly impacts its likelihood of success and the potential for adverse consequences. The bank underwent a restructuring process in 2021. The branch network was identified as an area for improvement, and the restructuring aimed to shift the business towards a more digital, platform-based model, moving away from traditional brick-and-mortar branches. The bank downsized its branch network in one town, reducing the number of branches from two to three or even one to two to enhance customer service. The study aims to evaluate whether the Ten Principles of Change Management, as outlined by Coetsee were followed during a change management project in a selected South African bank.

Furthermore, the study seeks to determine the potential impact of organisational commitment, job satisfaction, intentions to quit, and leadership skills in the banking sector on the successful implementation of change. Therefore, a quantitative method using a cross-sectional design was employed to achieve the study’s objectives. The results confirmed that principles of change were positively related to job satisfaction and affective commitment, that job satisfaction was positively associated with affective commitment, and that job satisfaction and affective commitment were negatively related to intentions to quit; consequently., The research also sheds light on the differential role of change management principles, job satisfaction, affective commitment in the relationship between adherence to change management principles and intentions to leave. This study, therefore, adds to the literature and broadens our understanding of the role of adherence to change in employee attitudes, such as job satisfaction, affective commitment, and intentions to quit. The study provides recommendations for both current and future research.