Time companies embraced technology

Shelter Chieza Change Management
I used to think that typewriters are old technology that has long been relegated to the archives as technology evolved, until I walked into one office recently. The lady who served me typed out my receipt using a typewriter. Although I was impressed by her typing speed, I queried why they were still using a typewriter when technology had evolved.

In the same manner there are some companies that have over the years remained rooted in the past.

Transitions in ownership, shift in management, change in ethos, leadership and structures is not so easy to come by in some companies.

In others there has been a lot of movement in the corporate ladder for mergers, or process improvements or other different strategic movements.

Business trends and economies are evolving and companies cannot continue doing business as usual.

Before dollarisation, people could afford to do business as usual but now companies have to be more innovative in reducing their cost structures and managing their debts.

I believe transition is an internal process that enables people to adapt to new processes.

People are the main actors in any transition process.

That shift from the old way to the new way is not easy but someone has to do it.

For instance the evolution in technology has led to more efficiencies but it has also come at a cost for some people who have been made redundant.

The coming in of machines and entry of Information Technology means that companies have had to reduce the number of their employees since a single machine in some instance could perform a job done by six people.

It may mean less work and elimination of the human element, and ultimately increase in production.

Technology has also facilitated the creation of roving sales persons who can go for weeks without visiting the office because they work in virtual offices and cab access documents using the Cloud computing.

But while a lot of companies have embraced changes in technology others are still sceptical and are still sitting on the fence.

A seemingly easy process such as upgrading our software to make things run smoother has been met with stiff resistance at some companies.

Why do some organisations take longer to embrace technology – is it lack of knowledge or the seemingly daunting bureaucratic processes that go with approval to transition.

No wonder why these slow learners never achieve much in information collating if decisions to order stationery, or purchase tea bags have to be made at the Head Office in Brussels while the main office is in Harare.

Psychological behaviour dictates that the human mind initially goes through mind trigger of awareness of an existing threat.

It is believed that when people don’t have a safe and productive way to express and process their feelings, they tend to bottle up and internalise them.

It usually does not even take much time to reach the first level of resistance, it could be a split second and in some cases it may need the crowd to confirm the negative feelings.

When such behaviour and emotion is spills into the public domain, it becomes more and more difficult to deal with.

It could degenerate into deep levels that are counter-productive. The resistance slows down or stops the needed change.

The coming in of computers and electronic communications has witnessed a large number of alternative electronic payments systems emerge.

I have always argued that computers themselves are merely tools that process information faster.

The ability to deduce its efficiencies and effectiveness resides in the user and what they intend of achieve from it.

Flexible technologies have the advantage of building processes that increase organisational efficiencies.

Payments are increasingly being made through the electronic platform and this is leading to a paperless society.

The dangers of locking your businesses into one single way of doing things are enormous.

When it comes to reinvention of the business, smaller businesses have an advantage.

As you think of transitions, make sure you have several options to consider, avoid putting all your eggs in one basket.

The earlier you think of transitioning the better your chances of success. Avoid leaving issues hanging for too long.

As soon as you do, ensure that your partnerships are strategic and effective.

Most businesses have realised direct benefits of IT as a leverage for competitive advantage.

Zimbabwe is not lagging behind, take notice that each year there is something major that you introduce within your company.

Always remain agile and on spot. Speed in adaptation and transition is vital, take care to embrace technology.

Charles Darwin once wrote that “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive, but those that can best manage change”.

Till next week, may God richly bless you.

◆ Shelter Chieza is an Advisor in management issues. She can be contacted at [email protected]