Why are people afraid to change in organizations?

People are afraid of change initiatives, because of the following reasons:

1. Not realizing the benefits of change

2. Doubting self: Not believe strenghts of self.

3. Fear of failure

4. Fear of the unknown — One of the most common reasons for resistance is fear of the unknown.

5. Fear of NEW:People are afraid of anything that’s new or different.

6. Lack of competence.

7. Poor communication about the change and it's benefits.

8. Not being consulted — If people are allowed to be part of the change there is less resistance.

CHANGE ,,, CHANGE ,, MUCH USED WORD AROUND==== EVERY ONE WANT TO CHANGE THE COMPANY , SYSTEM , CITY ,, SOME ARE WORKING TO CHANGE THE WHOLE COUNTRY BUT NO BODY IS READY TO CHANGE HIMSELF ,,,, WE WANT CHANGE FOR OTHERS ,,, IF WE CHANGE OURSELF THEN BELIEVE ME WORLD WILL CHANGE======= ANY WAY CHANGE ALWAYS FACE BIG RESISTANCE SO MOST PEOPLE AVOID THE CHANGE ,, COZ THEY CAN,T FACE THE BIG ARGUMENTS / RESISTANCE............. GOOD DAY

CHANGE had been a scary word for human being for long long long time. every unknow thing would make you fear of it initially. it is only accpetable / percievable when you know about it. for example - an individual would feel afraid going in to an unknown and dark cave but as he/she enters in it and finds out that there is nothing to be scared of. in fect it could be a short cut to the next destination. it will be called a change of road for which that individaul (who is totally convinced that this is right for all) has to satiate others to take this road.

As far as organisations are concerned, It is only on those some individuals, who are fully convinced that the change is for good and are capable to spread this down the line or up line. Though there are a very few chances that an individual in any organisation could convince its up line for change :).

humans being had always been scared of change and will remain scared of change, so, instead of getting worried about why people are scared of change, we should strive to spread knowledge enabling them to understand the need of change. This has worked for years and i storngly believe that it should work for years to come.

cheers. : ) : ) : ) :) 

They are afraid of change because there are no acceptance within the organization that they have a problem to fix.

Common People cannot change an organization it's the management, owners or partners the decision makers who are sitting to run the companies and projects. Their main concern is to protect their own positions to hold the whole organization with their power. Mostly new faces are coming through selections but the steering of car is always in the driver hand. Many of them afraid if they bring a new change in the management or policies the company will collapse or a risk which will cause a huge loss. But they forget one truth that changing in the system for a better cause can bring improvement in each department where everyone will feel the positive effects. No risk no gain, and it's not a one day thinking to bring a change it required proper planning to see where is the space of improvement? If we close all the doors and window just to stop outside pollution we also stopping a cool air entrance. 

Modern age of technologies demands in every field to bring a  positive change and professional can use their knowledge, abilities and skills to go forward for a positive change , they can discuss, forward their suggestions and arrange meetings to look for the ongoing and future activities, plan and decides with their team heads for the positive changes.

Competency Level speaks the truth. Less competant afraid of a quit.

In a Business enterprise......"people afraid of change" can be due to; "UNCLEAR communication on the purpose of change; POOR involvement of middle-management, LOW Leadership Image, VAGUE VISUALIZATION of post-change scenario to every possible functional structure in the organisation, PAST results on change, CULTURAL influence of certain dis-beliefs (management philosophy on PEOPLE).....!!

normally change is associated with uncertainty. people would feel they are leaving their comfort zone to an area that is full of ambiguity. what makes it worse is peoples' lack of confidence first in the quality of their skills and competencies and second in the benefits of the change. usually risk avert people would look at change as some thing negative while risk takers would deal with as an opportunity. of course, this is more detailed explanation to change resistence but the previous statement is just an outline.