Assessment of the effect of change management on operational performance of selected electricity distribution companies in the Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Organization evolved through uncertainties of globalization and competition. This evolutionary process involves changes of structures, ownership, and operational policies. The trends pose a serious challenge for the organization to develop strategic change management programs as a mechanism for achieving competitive advantage, fostering growth and enhancing performance. This study examined the effect of change management on operational performance of Kano and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Companies. The study chooses a sequential explanatory mixed-method research design. This format allows the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data through questionnaires, interviews, periodic documents, and the organization's key performance indicators in annual reports. The paper selected a sample size of 372 from the employees of KEDCO and KAEDCO. Both the descriptive percentile table and the inferential statistic of simple linear regression were used to analyzed and present the data. The findings show that change management has a significant effect on organizational performance in Kano and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Companies. Therefore, the study recommends, among other things, that the management of Kano and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Companies should develop a strategic change management plan that ensures competent skills are retained and provides opportunities for professional growth through the changes. This will help guide how to implement changes as they appear unabated. This will help the organization to achieve stability and improve performance in the face of changes in ownership, organizational structure, operational procedures, technology, and business strategies. The study concludes that unit responsible for change management should be redesigned to ensure representation all other units of the organization this is for effective communication about the change programs across the organization.