What is organizational diagnosis? Reasons for individual and organizational resistance to change.

Individuals may resist change because of their perceptions or personalities. In addition, habits, fear of the unknown, economic insecurities, and threats to established power and influence relationship may generate further resistance to change. Organizational resistance to change may be caused by organizational structure and culture, resource limitations, and interorganizational agreements. Force field analysis can help managers and employees diagnose and overcome resistance to change. Resistance can also be reduced through open communication and high levels of employee participation in the change process.


Organizational diagnosis is the process of assessing the functioning of the organization, department, team, or job to discover the sources of problems and areas for improvement. An accurate, valid diagnosis of current organizational functioning, activities, and problems is an essential foundation for effective organizational change. The readiness for change, availability of resources for change, and possible resistance to change are among the factors that should be accurately diagnosed.