Prof. Dr. Azmi Yalçın's seminar on change management at MAKÜ

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) hosted a striking and enlightening meeting in line with its vision of corporate excellence and quality-focused development. In the event organized within the university's continuous development strategy, Prof. Dr. Azmi Yalçın came together with MAKÜ Quality Commission members, academics, and administrative staff to conduct his seminar titled "Resistance to and Struggle with Corporate Change".

The seminar, which took place in an interactive atmosphere with high participation, once again revealed that change is more of a deep "human and cultural issue" rather than a technical process.

"No one easily wants change in academia"

Starting his seminar by sincerely addressing the realities of the academic world, Prof. Dr. Azmi Yalçın drew attention with his observations that go beyond conventional patterns. Noting that established habits and comfort zones are strong in the academic community, Yalçın explained in an empathetic tone that "No one easily wants change in academia; because uncertainty causes anxiety, while the established order provides security" and illustrated how natural and understandable resistance is as a human behavior.

Yalçın emphasized that in the struggle against corporate resistance, understanding the concerns behind this resistance and establishing sympathetic, inclusive communication is the first condition for lasting success, rather than judging or blaming the staff.

"Change cannot happen against culture; Transformation must be compatible with culture"

Prof. Dr. Yalçın pointed out that the most common mistake in change management is to ignore the existing fabric of the institution, stating, "You cannot create a change against culture. If you want to achieve a successful and sustainable result, you must design a transformation plan that is compatible with your institution's own cultural essence".

Yalçın expressed that change can only come to life not with templates prepared at the desk, but with tailor-made steps that consider the institution's memory, values, and dynamics, and noted that the strong corporate potential of MAKÜ would pave the way for great successes with the right cultural alignment.

"If your leader is transforming, you will transform too"

Prof. Dr. Azmi Yalçın opened a special parenthesis on the role of leadership in the wave-like spread of change throughout the institution, reminding that the strongest catalyst for transformation is role model leadership. He stated that the leader's sincere belief in change and personal transformation would inspire the team with his words, "If your leader is transforming, you will transform too"; and that employees would participate in a transformation process managed with sincerity, trust, and empathy with a much higher sense of belonging.

Thanks and congratulations for a growing corporate culture together

Throughout the seminar, Prof. Dr. Azmi Yalçın made everyone in the hall active stakeholders in the process with their questions, observations, and contributions, earning great appreciation from the participants with his sincere and sympathetic style. Participants expressed their satisfaction with this valuable content that illuminated both their corporate visions and individual work motivations.

The university administration and Quality Commission officials thanked the entire team that organized such a high-quality training that strengthens internal communication and collective intelligence, while congratulating Prof. Dr. Azmi Yalçın for his valuable contributions to the university's transformation journey with his knowledge, experience, and sincere sharing.

The seminar concluded with the belief that MAKÜ would confidently step into the future by drawing strength from its own values, followed by the taking of commemorative photographs.