Managing Change in Highly Regulated Industries: Comparison between Public and Private Organisations in the UAE

Abstract

This study addresses the lack of empirical data distinguishing change management perceptions between public and private sectors in highly regulated industries (HRIs) in the UAE. The research aimed to explore these distinctions to inform the use of tailored change management strategies. Through a qualitative, interview-based approach, insights were gathered from twelve managers across four companies in the pharmaceutical, construction, and nuclear industries, split evenly between the public and private sectors. Findings indicated a commonality in employee resistance to change across sectors. However, perceptions towards managing change differed significantly: in the private sector, change management is viewed as a means to drive innovation and value, whereas in the public sector, it is approached with an emphasis on compliance and safety. These results suggest that private organisations benefit from agile, innovation-oriented change methods, while public entities require structured, risk-aware strategies that ensure regulatory compliance. The study highlights the need for sector-specific change management approaches in highly regulated environments.