According to John Kotter, which is one of the main reasons that change processes fail?

John Kotter, a leading authority on change management, emphasizes the significance of effective change processes within organizations. One of the fundamental reasons change initiatives fail is due to the complexity often associated with these processes. When a change initiative is perceived as too complicated, it can lead to confusion and overwhelm, causing stakeholders to disengage and diminishing their ability to adapt to new systems or strategies.

Simplifying the change process is crucial as it allows employees to understand their roles and contributions more clearly, facilitating smoother transitions. When the complexity is reduced, it encourages involvement from employees, fosters a supportive work environment, and aligns the organization towards a common goal—essential elements for successful change implementation.

In contrast, while lack of communication, employee resistance, and inadequate resources are also significant factors in change failure, Kotter’s model highlights that complexity can stifle understanding and action, leading to a breakdown in the change process itself.