LEADERS AND MANAGING CHANGE AT MANUFACTURING FORM: THE APPLICATION OF CALM WATER METHAPHOR AND THEMATIC ANALYSIS.

In all work setting, both employees and employers are subjected to many types of changes. Despite there are many researches on change at work setting, little we know about the roles of leaders and their management roles in facilitating the changes. Therefore, this study is conducted with two main objectives. The main objective is to analyze the roles oflcaders in managing change. Then, the study attempts to map the level of change as proposed by the theory of calm water, with managerial roles. Even though, change is unavoidable, naturally, human beings are resistance towards change and researchers concluded that this is deeply embedded i11 human thinking system.Unfortunately, change is not easily avoided neither it is easy to be implemented. I11 manufacturing industry, the requirement to change is highly demanding and it also required close supervision from the top management. This research aims to examine the roles of leaders in managing change in an electrical and electronic [E&E) manufacturing organization in National Instrument (NI) Pcnang and explores the influences on the three stages of managing change (unfreeze. moving & refreeze) including the barriers and the lessons learned as when change is required. Qualitative methodology was utilized involving in-depth interviewing with eight respondents fromvarious positions. Three subgroups constituted the sample including director, clepartrncntfarea heads a11d employees. An interview protocol was developed with content analysis using themes was performed. The roles of leaders which have the significant impact in the three stages of managing change including the individual and organizational barriers the leaders are going through are being identified. The lessons learned are also shared based on the experience ofthe leaders in managing change. Understanding the roles ofleaders in managing change including the barriers will help organi7ation leaders to consider practices and policies that facilitate change. Through the lesson learned, leaders will be able to enhance their change processes and avoid past mistakes.