STRATEGIC CHANGE MANAGEMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE OF MEDIUM AND LARGE HOTELS IN RIVERS

This study examines the effect of strategic change management on organizational performance in medium and large hotels in Rivers State, Nigeria. Recognizing the dynamic and competitive nature of the hospitality industry, the research explores four critical dimensions of strategic change management communication, collaboration, culture, and commitment and their influence on key performance indicators such as customer satisfaction, operational efficiency, and financial outcomes. Guided by Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model and the Resource-Based View (RBV), the study adopts a cross-sectional survey design, collecting data from 68 managerial employees across selected 3-star hotels. Using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis, findings reveal strong, positive, and statistically significant relationships between each change management dimension and organizational performance, with commitment and communication emerging as the strongest predictors. The regression model explains 58.1% of the variance in performance outcomes, highlighting the strategic importance of internal change capabilities in enhancing hotel competitiveness. The study provides theoretical validation for multi-dimensional change frameworks and offers practical insights for hotel managers seeking to implement effective change strategies. It recommends institutionalizing participatory leadership, fostering a change-ready culture, and promoting interdepartmental collaboration to drive performance.