Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) Practice Exam

Many employees are struggling to perform under the new management structure due to which of the following conditions?

1. Freezing

2. Norming

3. Change uncertainty

4. Change avoidance

The correct answer is: Change uncertainty

The correct answer is rooted in the concept of organizational change and the often challenging transitions that employees face during such shifts. Change uncertainty refers to the anxiety and confusion that employees experience when faced with new systems, leadership, or structures. This condition can significantly impact performance as employees may feel insecure about their roles, responsibilities, or the overall future of the organization. When a management structure shifts, employees often have questions about what the changes mean for them personally and professionally. They might doubt their abilities to adapt to new expectations or feel unsure of how to navigate the altered dynamics of their workplace. This uncertainty can lead to decreased motivation, lower productivity, and challenges in adapting to new methods or expectations. While freezing, norming, and change avoidance are related concepts in the context of organizational behavior, they do not encapsulate the challenges faced by employees in the same way that change uncertainty does. Freezing might suggest a temporary halt to progress or change, norming refers to a stage where a team starts to collaborate effectively, and change avoidance highlights a desire to escape or resist change rather than addressing the anxiety that accompanies it. Change uncertainty specifically addresses the confusion and apprehensive feelings that may impede employee performance in a fluid environment.