STAFF RESISTANCE TO ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN BULGARIA – CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES AND STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING
STAFF RESISTANCE TO ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE IN SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN BULGARIA – CAUSES, CONSEQUENCES AND STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING

Summary/Abstract: This report briefly examines the theoretical foundations of organizational change and organizational resistance to change, presenting the ideas of leading researchers in the field. The reasons for the emergence of personnel resistance in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises in Bulgaria are investigated. Through an analysis of classical literary sources and the availability of empirical data from the National Statistical Institute, the report presents the main factors that lead to resistance, including the potential negative consequences on the efficiency and competitiveness of these enterprises. In addition, the study also offers practical strategies and approaches for change management that can be applied in small and medium-sized enterprises in order to reduce the levels of resistance and facilitate the successful and smooth adaptation of human capital to the new conditions of a market economy. Moreover, we will also talk about “human potential”, which turns out to be one of the most important components when launching organizational change initiatives. It can be a factor for success, but also an obstacle to their effective implementation. When people are negatively disposed towards changes, resistance arises, which requires adequate management. Managers in the organization must control or eliminate it, otherwise the social climate deteriorates and the prerequisites for conflicts are created. This leads to the failure of the change, unsatisfactory results and missed benefits. Consciously or not, resistance to change has been talked about for centuries. During the different stages of socio-political development, people have had doubts and/or have been dissatisfied with the management of one or another process. Man is suspicious and cautious towards facts unknown to him. The development of the business environment for SMEs, in turn, aims to promote self-employment, entrepreneurship, investment and economic growth. This would lead to a significant increase in the income of a large part of the population and an improvement in their economic well-being. The author of the report is aware of the complexity and specificity of the matter. Therefore, no claims are made for a comprehensive and complete work in terms of essence and content. The author will accept with gratitude and understanding the critical comments of the readers in the event of a possible future development of the work.

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