In his lecture Functional approach professor Roloff introduces a variety of functional approach theories which explain what functions or purposes a person’s attitude serves as it relates to denying or accepting change. Roloff further explains that knowing and understanding functional approaches provides clues into how one can motivate or influence people to change based on their function.
The information function implies that people like things or processes that they already know how to do or use. Their familiarity with these processes and things is comfortable and predictable and prevents their willingness to update or change. I came to observe this function in my current workplace as the department was proposing new ways to backup and manage common project files. The need for the change was to make files accessible to all personnel at all times to prevent dependance on the creator of the content in the event they were absent from the organization. The proposed centralization of file management was counter to the personal workflow and preferences of many and met with resistance in spite of the clear benefits to the organization. Recognizing that this function was at play, I proposed a variety of training options to help people incorporate new information and practices into familiar workflows and retrain file management behavior.
LO 2: Demonstrate the ability to assess complex organization environments and achieve communication goals.
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