Comprehensive and Detailed Step-by-Step Explanation:

Context from the UniCo Scenario:

The Sales staff feel their working environment is being disrupted due to the integration of Selco staff. The loss of their relaxation area has led to discontent and potential escalation through their Union. Addressing this resistance requires creating opportunities for engagement, collaboration, and exploring alternatives to ensure both parties feel valued in the change process.

Analysis of Each Option:

A. Arrange joint workshops for Sales and Selco staff to develop ideas and comment on layout options.

Why Correct: Joint workshops encourage collaboration and allow both Sales and Selco staff to voice their concerns and contribute to finding a mutually beneficial solution. This action aligns with AgilePM’s focus on building engagement and transparency in managing resistance.

B. Delay information on the impact of the Selco relocation on Sales staff until just before the relocation move occurs.

Why Incorrect: Withholding information undermines transparency, erodes trust, and increases resistance. AgilePM promotes early communication and engagement to prevent escalation of issues.

C. Exert pressure on the Sales management team to make sure any resistance is kept ‘quiet’.

Why Incorrect: Suppressing resistance is counterproductive and creates further mistrust. AgilePM encourages open dialogue to address resistance constructively rather than avoiding or silencing it.

D. Provide a farewell gathering in the relaxation area to enable staff to remember past stories about the area.

Why Incorrect: While this action acknowledges staff sentiment, it does not address the root cause of resistance or provide a tangible solution to the problem. AgilePM emphasizes taking practical steps to remove barriers to acceptance.

E. Organize a Sales discussion group to look at alternative relaxation facilities that could be provided to the Sales staff.

Why Correct: A discussion group allows Sales staff to explore alternative solutions collaboratively. It helps them feel involved and valued in the process, reducing resistance and aligning with AgilePM’s principle of stakeholder engagement.

Why A and E Are Correct:

Workshops (A):

Promote collaboration and shared ownership of the solution, reducing conflict and building trust between Sales and Selco staff.

Discussion Groups (E):

Provide an avenue for Sales staff to voice their concerns and explore practical alternatives, demonstrating that their input is valued.

References to AgilePM Framework:

Stakeholder Engagement and Transparency:

Encouraging open dialogue and shared decision-making reduces resistance. (AgilePM Practitioner Guide, Chapter 8: Stakeholder Engagement)

Collaborative Problem-Solving:

Using workshops and discussion groups aligns with AgilePM’s focus on fostering collaboration and trust during change. (AgilePM Practitioner Guide, Chapter 6: Facilitating Change)

Addressing Resistance:

AgilePM emphasizes understanding the root causes of resistance and actively involving stakeholders in solutions. (AgilePM Practitioner Guide, Chapter 10: Preparing for Change)