The effects of scenario planning on participant perceptions of grief in organisational change

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between scenario planning and participant perceptions of grief in organisational change. Scenario planning projects were designed and facilitated for each of the four organisations as part of an applied research project utilising quasi-experimental research methods. The literature review and theoretical framework in the study focused on the social relationships associated with: 1) resistance to change; 2) perceptions of complex change; 3) loss and grief; 4) coping skills and complex change in organisations. Utilising the scenario planning framework was hypothesised to decrease the amount of grief within the organisations experiencing significant grief and complex change. The findings of the study indicated the scenario planning intervention significantly increased participant reports of grief in organisational change processes. While this is contrary to research hypotheses, various possible explanations are offered, though additional research will be required to further understand the impact of scenario planning on grief management in organisations.