The Loki Equipment Exercise Part 1: Leading Change

Abstract

Leading organizational change is a daunting aspect of leadership. However, effectively leading change enables positive individual and organizational outcomes. Herein, we present a case-based classroom exercise to teach students about organizational change, demonstrate different aspects of the change process, and teach how to overcome resistance to change. We draw upon research on leadership and organizational change to introduce the exercise. In the exercise, Taylor Smith, a CEO of a farm equipment manufacturing company, is pressed by the company board to lay off a significant portion of their workforce as production is being moved overseas. In this context, the exercise provides students with an in-depth look at the change process as they discuss how the company will be affected by the layoffs and then explore ways for the layoffs to be carried out.