Realizing full speed after organizational change projects: Impact of restructuring activities on the motivation of high potentials

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic10 and also digitalisation and international competition have also pushed companies to become more future-proof and the ability to restructure is of considerable relevance for organisational resilience30. High potential employees become key players in the implementation of restructuring activities as they have a wide horizon in the company and can take the responsibility21. This study used qualitative research to explore the impact of restructuring activities on the motivation of high potentials. The content was analysed according to Mayring's qualitative content analysis22. The factors of participation in the restructuring process and an open as well as transparent communication have the strongest influence on the motivation of high potentials during the restructuring phase. Career development and compensation are motivators for high potentials to perform strongly further for a degree of autonomy in a function and the meaningfulness of tasks are relevant aspects that can drive employee motivation. Subsequent research can examine the significance of the motivating factors in more detail for example, at what point does salary become less important for high potentials.