Why Johnny Won't Cooperate

Continuous improvement means continuous change, and with change comes resistance. This paper examines the growth of change in the workplace and the resistance which accompanies change. This paper proposes resistance can be characterized and understood by studying motivation, behavior, and resistance theory. Additionally, one can predict and prevent the occurrence of resistance in organizations undergoing change. This thesis is advanced by synthesizing the motivation theories of Maslow, McGregor, and Herzberg to develop a model which describes behavior as a function of human need and points to the existence of two distinct types of people differentiated by their motivating needs. These needs scope their behavior and help characterize the potential for resistance. This research is augmented by additional study which provides insight regarding those conditions which produce resistance in organizations.