Resistance to change: A concept analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this concept analysis is to explore the concept of resistance and provide an operational definition for nurse leaders. While resistance has been deemed a major barrier to the implementation of successful practice change in popular literature, specific evidence as to how it is a barrier within health care organizations is lacking. The Walker and Avant model of concept analysis was used to analyze the concept of resistance. Literature searches utilized the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), PsychARTICLES, and Google scholar. Resistance is defined as an individual's behavior in response to perceived or actual threat in an attempt to maintain baseline status. It may be preceded by and amplified through mistrust, fear, and communication barriers, ultimately influencing the implementation, quality, and sustainability of the change. Historically resistance has been viewed with negative conations due to its potential impact on organizational success. However, resistance is a normal response to a threat to baseline status. Nurse leaders prepared with knowledge of resistance, including the antecedents and attributes, can minimize the potential negative consequences of resistance and capitalize on a powerful impact of change adaptation.

Keywords: change; nurse leaders; resistance.