Final answer:
The answer is True; resistance to change is indeed a top reason for the failure of organizational change efforts. People's preference for the status quo and fear of personal inconvenience often hinder the successful implementation of new initiatives and reforms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Surveys indicate that resistance to change is one of the top two reasons why change efforts within organizations fail. The direct answer to this statement is True. Resistance to change is a significant factor that contributes to the failure of change initiatives.
Many organizational change efforts do not obtain the desired outcomes because people inherently prefer the comfort and familiarity of the status quo. This deep-rooted fear of personal inconvenience can hinder progress and reform. For instance, in history, resistance to abolishing slavery and the advancement of women's rights are cited as being rooted in the fear of change leading to personal discomfort.
Today, sustainability efforts also face challenges due to this resistance. While cultural reform is ongoing, the ecologically damaging assumptions of dominant cultures remain strongly held, creating a barrier to much-needed change. Public acceptance, counter-reforms, and environmental concerns are crucial when considering the effectiveness of various methods for implementing change.