Rethinking change: the case for stability in the workplace

Creating Stability Is Just as Important as Managing Change

When we think about change at work today, we tend to assume its inevitability and focus our attention on how to manage it — what methods and processes and technology and communication we need to put in place to have it move ahead more smoothly. Of course, some change is necessary, and some is inevitable. But not all of it. What the scientific literature on predictability, agency, belonging, place, and meaning suggests is that before we think about managing change, we should consider the conditions that people need at work in order to be productive. In this article, the author explains why we should cultivate a renewed appreciation for the virtues of stability, together with an understanding of how to practice “stability management.”

Harvard Business ReviewAshley Goodall

In the article "Creating Stability Is Just as Important as Managing Change" by Ashley Goodall, published in the Harvard Business Review, the author argues that while managing change is often emphasized in the workplace, creating stability is equally crucial.

Goodall highlights that frequent organizational changes, such as restructurings, can lead to uncertainty, a loss of agency, disruption of social networks, and diminished job satisfaction. These changes negatively impact performance since people thrive in predictable environments with stable relationships and a clear sense of purpose.

Contrary to the common belief that change is inherently good, Goodall suggests that stability management should be a continuous organizational discipline, focusing on maintaining what works and enhancing team cohesion. Stability management promotes predictable environments, supports team leaders, and values rituals and clear communication.

Goodall's research, including studies at Cisco, shows that stable teams perform better. He argues that organizations should prioritize stability to provide the psychological foundations necessary for human performance, thereby fostering improvement, growth, and innovation.