Work commitment and resistance behavior of employees to organizational changes in transport companies in Togo

Abstract

This article aims to examine the significance of the effects of the dimensions of commitment to work, namely absorption, vigour and dedication of employees on their resistance to digitalisation as an organisational change in land transport MSMEs in Togo. A quantitative study of 220 individuals (transport company staff in Togo) was used to test the various research hypotheses. The data were analysed using structural equations based on the PLS approach. The results show that employees' absorption, vigour and dedication significantly influence their resistance. This research makes an important contribution to the literature on employee commitment and resistance in the context of digitalisation as an organisational change.From a managerial point of view, it highlights the importance of promoting a working environment that encourages employee commitment in order to reduce resistance to change and facilitate adaptation to challenges, particularly those linked to post-COVID-19 digitalisation. However, this study has certain limitations, in particular its focus on the negative aspect of employee behaviour, namely resistance. For future research, it would be interesting to explore the influence of work engagement on positive aspects of employee behaviour during organisational change processes, such as supportive behaviour. Other studies could also examine the link between variables such as work stress, work involvement, and their impact on support and resistance behaviours.

Keywords: Work commitment, Absorption, Vigour, Dedication, Resistance, Organisational change

JEL Classification: E24, J60

Paper type: Empirical Research