Perceptions and Understandings on the Need of Change: Viewpoints across Management Levels - New Contributions in Information Systems and Technologies - page 229

Perceptions and Understandings on the Need
of Change: Viewpoints across Management Levels

Laura Costa Maia * , Rúben Eira, Anabela Carvalho Alves, and Celina Pinto Leão

Centro ALGORITMI, School of Engineering, University of Minho,
Campus de Azurém, 4804-533 Guimarães, Portugal
{lauracostamaia,eira.ruben}@gmail.com,
{anabela,cpl}@dps.uminho.pt

Abstract. The need of change in two Portuguese Textile and Clothing Industry
companies is discussed using a qualitative analysis of content transcribed
interviews through webQDA. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to
several top managements level of both companies. From the interviews it has
been possible to understand how the companies intend to contribute to change,
their attitudes and perceptions and the benefits expected. The results of this
study demonstrated that it is important to involve the different management
levels in the process of change. The key-factors that influence change as
motivation, involvement, information dissemination for a successfully change
were identified as important. However, the findings also show that the
interviewees understand that change involves risk and it has both advantages
and disadvantages.

Keywords: Qualitative analysis; Semi-structured interviews; Textile and
Clothing Industry; Lean Production.

1 Introduction

According to the Portuguese Textile Association (ATP) clothing, exports grew by
over 11% at the end of the 3rd quarter of 2014, representing 60% of total exports of
the textile and clothing sector. With an export value of € 2.1 billion, the trade balance

€

registered a positive value of € 728.2 million, an increase of 9.3% compared to the

€

same period of 2013 [1].
Analyzing the Portuguese Textile and Clothing Industry (TCI) by sectors, clothing
exports increased 11.4%, the textile products (except home textiles) 9.2%, and home
textiles and other textile made-up 5.6%. Highlighting the increase in exports of felt
and rope articles, technical textiles, reaching € 27 million exported, equivalent to a

19% increase rate. The main client countries (Spain, France, UK and USA) have
strengthened their importance, recording an increase between 11% and 14.7% [1].

€

* Corresponding author.