PSYCH 101

Overcoming Technology Change Resistance

Changes in technology can be daunting. It's normal for people to be resistant to such change, especially in their work life where employees value the stability of a daily work routine. Here are some psychology tips outlining ways in which you can help your employees overcome resistance to technological change!

💡 Education and information: providing clear info about the benefits of new technology can help users overcome cognitive biases holding them back. Provide users with evidence and data that delivers a clear message to help change their attitudes! 👍 Positive reinforcement: offering incentives for the initial adoption of new technology can be a powerful motivator for new users, who will be empowered to overcome fears of the unfamiliar and take a chance! On the other hand, punishment for reluctance may produce short term uptake but create long-term resistance. 💁 Social influence: demonstrate success by creating a new social norm around the use of new technology. People are often influenced by the behaviour of others, and will be likely to follow suit. Nominating early adopters as champions who can support team members is one avenue to explore! 😕 Reduce uncertainty: people resist change because of fear of the unknown and the lure of the familiar - even if they know the traditional methods are less reliable. Provide clear, concise information, address concerns or risks, explain the need for change, and offer training and support to help grow confidence in new tech. ⏳ Gradual implementation: people may be more willing to adopt new technology if they're allowed to adjust to the change in small steps. This allows them to build their trust, confidence, and reduce fears of the unknown without having to make a complete leap of faith!

🧠 Brain fact: Technology Change Resistance is often the result of something called Confirmation Bias which we are all susceptible to - even you! 👉 Learn more on Wikipedia

Sources:
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2. Deci, E. L., Koestner, R., & Ryan, R. M. (1999). A meta-analytic review of experiments examining the effects of extrinsic rewards on intrinsic motivation. Psychological Bulletin, 125(6), 627-668. doi: 10.1037/0033-2909.125.6.627
3. Cialdini, R. B. (2009). Influence: Science and practice (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
4. Ma, Q., Liu, L., & Wang, W. (2010). An empirical study on factors influencing consumer adoption of mobile advertising. Journal of Advertising Research, 50(2), 181-194. doi: 10.2501/S0021849909090488
5. Hagger, M. S., & Luszczynska, A. (2014). Implementation intention and action planning interventions in health contexts: State of the research and proposals for the way forward. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-being, 6(1), 1-47. doi: 10.1111/aphw.12017