Technological changes and cultural changes

In most of my change cases you can divide the project change target into two entities: Technical changes and cultural changes. It is impossible to say which one is the more challenging one as it very much relates to the challenge on hand AND the project's capability to perform i.e. what kind of skills do you have onboard.

Taking a bit general approach I could say that technological changes (systems and tools) are easier one. People need to understand the tools and related processes and you just put the focus and effort on effective training and support.

Cultural changes are more difficult to handle. First of all, in a global company you need to work on the company culture and the anthropological culture. Both can have influence on management styles, attitudes, standards etc. and they are hard to manage.  I guess that the basic tools are once again the same that can be used everywhere - user participation, communication, leadership and commitment from the top.

From personal experience I could pick up two things. First of all - get familiar with the culture which should be changed. Talk with the people, meet face-to-face, have a coffee with them.  Understanding the "unknown" helps you with your tasks. On the other hand pay attention to the change champions. Find the right people who are willing to change, how have organizational position and more preferably are mind setters in the old organization and with the CM tools convince them to do the work for you.

Remember to check that how the organization dynamics work, what role does the hierarchy play. Make sure that you understand how decisions are made - I mean really DONE.