# How New CEOs Navigate Strategic Change The communication strategies of CEOs balancing change and survival. - **Source:** [Journal of Management Studies](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/14676486) - **Published:** 2026-08-15 - **Topic:** [Leadership](https://brifing.si/c/leadership) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/87ad136c-19c7-49e5-afe7-377d1c6c6465 ## The Dilemma of New CEOs Newly appointed CEOs often enter office with a mandate to initiate strategic change. However, such change disrupts established routines and interests, frequently provoking resistance from organizational stakeholders. This creates a fundamental leadership transition dilemma: the strategic change new CEOs are expected to undertake may also threaten their early survival. Research shows that strategic change increases the likelihood of early CEO dismissal. ## Risks of Strategic Change Strategic changes initiated by new CEOs create uncertainty and resistance among stakeholders. This can lead boards to question the CEO's leadership abilities. Negative stakeholder reactions, in particular, can result in the CEO's dismissal. This risk requires CEOs to adopt a careful communication strategy when managing change. ## The Importance of Resonance CEOs can build resonance by aligning their communication with stakeholders' emotional and cognitive frameworks. This reduces uncertainty in the change process and increases stakeholder support. Charismatic visions and optimistic expressions create emotional resonance, while linguistic simplicity and concreteness enhance cognitive resonance. ## Emotional Resonance CEOs can strengthen stakeholders' emotional commitment through charismatic visions and optimistic expressions. This approach reduces anxiety and uncertainty during the change process. For example, presenting a clear vision of the future increases stakeholders' belief in the change. This enhances the CEO's leadership impact and improves their chances of staying in office. ## Cognitive Resonance CEOs facilitate stakeholders' understanding of change by using simple and concrete language. This makes change initiatives clearer and more credible. For instance, explaining complex concepts in simple terms increases stakeholders' trust in the change. This approach strengthens the CEO's leadership impact. ## Communication Tactics CEOs must use effective communication tactics when managing strategic change. This is crucial for gaining stakeholder support. For example, regular updates and transparent communication increase stakeholders' trust in the change process. These tactics improve the CEO's chances of staying in office. ## Research Findings A study of S&P 1500 firms from 2002 to 2015 shows that effective communication strategies increase CEOs' chances of staying in office. Building emotional and cognitive resonance, in particular, enhances stakeholder support. These findings highlight the importance of communication skills in leadership success. ## Conclusion and Recommendations New CEOs should adopt effective communication strategies when managing strategic change. This is critical for gaining stakeholder support and improving their chances of staying in office. Charismatic visions, optimistic expressions, and simple language strengthen the CEO's leadership impact. This approach reduces risks in the change process. ## Sources covering this story - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/joms.70146?af=R — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._