The impact of changes on Eskom's middle management

M.A.This study describes specific emotional problems experienced by middle managers due to structural changes and organisational restructuring in Eskom. The empowerment of trade unions in Eskom and new change management processes has left the middle level boundaryless, and their role ambiguous. The research sets out to explore the perceptions of the middle managers and to make necessary recommendations to address the abovementioned needs. The qualitative research methodology was applied with the researcher selecting an action research approach as the most relevant in engaging the middle managers in their study. The type of action research was focus groups. 12 Focus group sessions were conducted at Eskom countrywide, with a sample of 121 middle managers out of 2000. The findings of the study confirm that middle managers do suffer emotional problems given the organisational changes in Eskom. They also do not have facilities where they can discuss their emotions, unlike the trade unions together with senior managers, who have joint structures to communicate and make decisions. The study concludes that managers require assistance with adapting to change. It is recommended that managers go through change resilience programmes, career management programmes, and be encouraged to go for counselling provided by EAP in the organisation. Occupational social workers can also become consultants to senior management