Change & Transformation: the Paradox

Change and transformation in business can be explained in terms of the way a business is moved through a series of transitions, each with its own purpose and scope. Change is a process of actively altering the current state of a business and making modifications to the way it operates. This could include introducing new technologies, revising processes and improving organisation structures, as the business adapts from its current state to a new one. Transformation, on the other hand, is an undertaking that seeks to completely overhaul the existing structures within a business. It involves implementing large-scale changes which will permanently alter the organisation and its operations, for example by the introduction of new corporate strategies and culture.

However, this distinction between change and transformation can lead to a paradox, as it is not always easy to determine when a business has reached the right level of transformational changes. This paradox lies in the fact that change and transformation have opposing goals: while change seeks to make small and incremental improvements to a business's current state, transformation strives to create an entirely new state. This means that, while change can be easily judged by the degree of progress it makes in a short period of time, transformation can be instead judged by the degree of disruption it causes.

Therefore, a business must decide which is the right approach to take when implementing new ideas, making restructurings and transforming the organisation. At one end of the spectrum, a business can choose to make change and risk not achieving the desired results; at the other end, it can choose to aim for transformation and risk making misguided changes that don't fit the business or its culture. In these situations, it can be helpful to assess the potential benefits and risks of either approach before deciding which to choose.

In conclusion, the difference between change and transformation in business is one that requires careful consideration, as it can lead to a paradox in how the business can decide the best approach for achieving their desired outcomes. It is important to be aware of the benefits and risks of both approaches and to make sure that any decision is based on a thorough understanding of the organisation and its goals.