Track: Project Management

Abstract

In the era of Industry 4.0 where the world is changing at a fast pace, organizations are faced with the challenge to constantly change their business operations to maintain competitiveness. It is imperative to carefully assess the contribution of various human factors in successful navigation through change. Organizations rely on change managers to spearhead change projects to ensure the realization of operational and organizational objectives. Change managers need to have a relevant set of skills, knowledge, and practical experience to ensure that they execute their change management duties effectively and efficiently. Thus, the aim of this study is to examine the requirements or skills of change managers. The study began by reviewing the literature focusing on change managers and change management. Thereafter, it adopted a job analysis desktop review to examine change managers’ job specifications within the South African context. The study was descriptive in nature. It has revealed and discussed a number of skills for change managers. This study contributes to teaching and learning, research, and industry application of change management. It can also assist practitioners involved in the practice of change management with skills to focus on in their career development.