Which factor is essential for sustaining change over time?

Sustaining change over time heavily relies on constant communication and reinforcement of the change. This ongoing communication helps to ensure that all stakeholders understand the reasons for the change, the benefits it brings, and how it impacts their roles and responsibilities. By consistently reinforcing the change through various channels—such as meetings, training sessions, and updates—organizations can create a culture that embraces the change rather than viewing it as a temporary initiative.

Regular reinforcement also enables the organization to address any concerns or resistance that may arise, keeping employees engaged and aligned with the new practices. This participatory approach mitigates the likelihood of regression to old habits, as team members feel included in the process and are more likely to adopt and maintain the new behaviors.

In contrast, factors like increased market competition or decisions made solely by executives without input from the team do not contribute to a sustainable change environment. These conditions might prompt initial changes, but they don't foster an ongoing commitment to the altered practices. Similarly, reverting to previous practices directly contradicts the goal of sustaining change, as it indicates a failure to maintain the new direction and can harm overall organizational effectiveness.