Final answer:
Transformational or 'off the scale' changes are more challenging than shallow changes because they involve a fundamental and widespread alteration of the organization's operations, culture, and mindset, requiring extensive planning and strong leadership.
Step-by-step explanation:
Transformational change in an organization usually refers to a radical overhaul that significantly alters the culture, strategies, structures, and operations. These changes are ambitious, long-term, and often involve a wholesale rethinking of the business itself. In contrast, shallow changes are typically smaller optimizations and minor adjustments to existing processes.
When comparing off-the-scale changes with shallow changes, off-the-scale changes are generally more challenging. These transformational changes require significant shifts in mindset, extensive planning, and resources to implement. They can disrupt work patterns and require management to possess strong leadership skills to navigate through uncertainty.
A relevant example can be drawn from societal changes, such as the Arab Spring, where change did not come from the bottom of the hierarchy but from a discontented middle scale. This example highlights the power and challenge of substantial transformational change over minor adjustments. Likewise, in an organization, large-scale change initiatives have the potential to be more challenging due to their scope and impact on the organization's status quo.