An Investigation of Improvement and Change Management Practices in a Brazilian Based Company

This paper reports the results of a case study research carried out in a Brazilian division of a multinational manufacturer of automobile components with the main objective of investigating improvement and change management practices. The theoretical framework for the research is based on the theories on improvement and change management programs, methods and capability development. After an overview of the theories, programs and approaches for improvement and change, the research method and questions of research are formalized so as to guide the case study. The case study itself is presented and discussed. Results of the study indicate that although several elements of improvement and change capabilities are present, functionally oriented organizational structure and a lack of formalized cross improvement and change business process undermine the potential for management performance improvements