Application of Design Thinking to Optimize Change Management Procedures with a Case Study on Reference Book Stores

Abstract

To deal with the constant changes in the social environment today, companies must adopt appropriate changes to face different challenges. Some change model was developed, however merely following the steps and procedures of these change models is not enough. Being able to change the thinking of the team is also a crucial factor. In recent years, many companies have used design thinking methods to engage in successful innovation and transition. Design thinking is a human-centered approach that focuses on interdisciplinary communication and the establishment of innovative thinking and implementation. The purpose of this study was to use design thinking to optimize the unfreeze step of change, develop a model, and determine whether this model can effectively help teams reach a consensus and set suitable visions and goals so that they can successfully initiate change. We used change in small physical bookstores (reference book stores) as an example in our case study. The results indicated that by integrating design thinking and change management, physical bookstore owners can efficiently define the visions of their companies when they are making transitions so that they can make preliminary plans for the change. Future studies can use the proposed model to examine similar small retail companies that are in need of change and innovative transitions as the times change.