Management of change in a multinational company

Purpose – The paper is based on leading a management of change simulation involving trainee managers in a global oil company who were tasked with preparing a proposal for senior management regarding the management of change to face future challenges. The purpose of the paper is to comment on models of change management, overcoming resistance to change, the necessary skills and commitment to implement change and stages in the planning. It concludes with the key outcomes of the simulation exercise. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a management of change simulation exercise from which guidelines for good practice are deduced. Findings – The paper identifies key factors necessary for successful change management, including anticipation of the need for change, communication at all levels, overcoming resistance, skills required and the planning stages to implementation. Practical implications – The learning outcomes of the simulation and the discussions reflect accepted models of change management. Originality/value – The paper provides examples of good practice arising from a two‐day simulation exercise.