Abstract
The frequency and complexity of organisational change makes it a challenging issue for organisations. Employees are required to readily adapt to change, however accounts of resistance to change are more prevalent than accounts of employees embracing change. To implement change organisations rely on employee motivational and behaviour needs, the Self Determination Theory as it pertains to need satisfaction was used in the study. Organisational change can result in employees experiencing stress, uncertainty and fear about coping with the situation. This study examined the relationship between need satisfaction, stress, coping and resistance to change. 90 participants completed an online questionnaire. Results from a mixed-method survey design showed that need satisfaction did not predict resistance to change. Relationships were found between need satisfaction, coping and stress, and between coping and stress and resistance to change levels. In conclusion, results are useful in explaining the interactions between coping, stress and resistance to change. Author keywords: Basic need satisfaction, resistance to change, coping
