Which statement about anxiety during organizational change is true?

• A. Anxiety is never a concern during change.
• B. Anxiety is a potential drawback of organizational change.
• C. Anxiety always leads to negative outcomes.
• D. Anxiety guarantees success.

Answer: (B)

When people face organizational change, anxiety stems from uncertainty, potential loss, and disruption to familiar routines. This makes anxiety a potential drawback of change—a realistic reaction that can impede engagement, morale, and adoption if not addressed. The statement that best fits is that anxiety is a potential drawback, because it acknowledges that worry can arise and affect outcomes, while leaving room for management actions to mitigate it. It’s not always negative, and it doesn’t guarantee anything; with clear communication, involvement, training, and support, anxiety can be reduced and change can succeed. The other ideas are too absolute: anxiety isn’t never a concern, it doesn’t always lead to negative outcomes, and it certainly doesn’t guarantee success.