1. Analyse the essay topic or question
Make sure you know exactly what you have to do; look carefully at the question. The tutor has probably framed the question in a particular way
Identify any assumptions or propositions in the question. Take this example:
“Why do people resist change at work and what can organisations do to overcome this resistance?”

2. Analyse the question
“ Why do people resist change at work and what can organisations do to overcome this resistance?”
The question is in two parts.
The first part has an assumption built into it.
Is it true that all people resist change at work?
You would need to address the assumption before you moved to the second part of the question
You might want to think about the word ‘overcome’. Does this have connotations of power and undertones of oppression?

3. and what can organisations do to overcome this resistance?”
‘Overcome’? To what extent is the ‘carrot’ as relevant and appropriate as the ‘stick’ in encouraging people to change?
Describe the range of things that organisations can do to help employees prepare for and cope with change
Give real-life examples wherever possible to illustrate how particular organisations have gone about this process
Make sure you back your statements up with evidence properly referenced.
Why do people resist change at work…
Discuss if it is true that all people resist change at work. If some don’t, why not?
Describe why people do resist change at work: main reasons.
Is it just about individual employees? Can the culture of an organisation contribute to resistance?
How do people not happy about change show their resistance?
How does the resistance manifest itself?
Make sure you back your statements up with evidence properly referenced.

4. A good introduction is essential:
A good introduction will give the reader a clear sense of direction- where you are going- and some of the main points in your assignment
A good introduction will create a positive impression of you in the mind of the reader. They will then look for a ‘positive reinforcement’ of this initial good impression.

5. Example
This essay will analyse the reasons why some people resist organisational change and discuss the ways organisations can help to prepare their employees for change. The essay will, however, make the point that not all will resist change and that the culture of an organisation is an important element in the process of minimising employee hostility toward change in the first place. The words ‘overcome… resistance’ in the title, for example, may not be an appropriate word for organisations to use when , as it has connotations of power and force associated with it. The essay will make the point that good communication with the workforce, particularly before changes are introduced, is an important element in helping to reduce problems.
The first part of the essay will discuss and analyse the reasons why individuals can resist change, and the second part will give an overview of the ways organisations can work with their employees to manage necessary change.

6. One possible structure for this essay
‘Overcome’? To what extent is the ‘carrot’ as relevant and appropriate as the ‘stick’ in encouraging people to change?
Describe the range of things that organisations can do to help employees prepare for and cope with change
Give real-life examples wherever possible to illustrate how particular organisations have gone about this process
Discuss if it is true that all people resist change at work. If some don’t, why not?
Describe why people do resist change at work: main reasons.
Is it just about individual employees? Can the culture of an organisation contribute to resistance?
How do people not happy about change show their resistance?
How does the resistance manifest itself?
Introduction
Conclusion

7. Conclusion
Conclusions: it should be obvious it is a conclusion: “Finally….” or, “In conclusion...”
Don’t go over all the arguments again, but try and pull your main points together so the reader is sure of what your position is
Try and leave the reader with an interesting point to think about: a relevant quotation is often a good way to finish.