Six Sigma Black Belt Certified Practice Exam

What is a primary responsibility of a change agent in an organization?

1. Overcome fear of the unknown

2. Reorganize departments

3. Determine performance criteria

4. Identify which group is responsible for failures

The correct answer is: Overcome fear of the unknown

A primary responsibility of a change agent in an organization is to overcome fear of the unknown. Change agents facilitate the acceptance and implementation of new processes, systems, or cultural shifts within an organization, often by addressing the concerns and anxieties of employees regarding these changes. By effectively communicating the benefits of change, providing support, and fostering an environment of trust, change agents help individuals and teams navigate the transition period. They actively listen to employees' worries and dispel myths or uncertainties that may hinder progress. In doing so, they can promote a more open and adaptive culture, making it easier for the organization to embrace the change. While reorganizing departments, determining performance criteria, or identifying responsible parties for failures are important tasks in their own right, they do not directly address the emotional and psychological barriers that employees may face during change initiatives. Therefore, overcoming fear of the unknown is a fundamental aspect of a change agent's role, as it lays the groundwork for successful change management.