ISSN:
0143-7739
Source:
Emerald Fulltext Archive Database 1994-2005
Topics:
Economics
Notes:
Most serious organizational change efforts of the last two decadeshave focused on change within groups or the socio-technical system. Harddata on change efforts are both limited and present a mixed picture ofthe effectiveness of these efforts, particularly over an extended periodof time. Presents ideas, notions and concepts about the role of theindividual within organizations which may help to explain some of thefailures and increase the probability of successful change. Likeindividuals, organizations consist of body (participants' common goals,beliefs of background), and spirit (individuals' ideas, assumption andthought processes). The artificial system of an organization (spirit) isman-made and owes its continued existence to the ideas, assumptions andthought processes in the minds of the individual within theorganization. Consistent with this notion, develops the concept that forreal long-term organizational change to occur, the systems existingwithin the minds of individuals must be altered. Further, proposes thatlanguage, values, norms and ethics are the factors which hold anorganization together and, since these factors are developed withinindividuals, they must be accounted for in change efforts. Also focuseson leaders and managers and their roles in organizational change.Specific characteristics of leaders which enable them to promote andfoster change are identified and discussed. It is noted that for leadersto be successful they must (1) free themselves from themselves, (2) freethemselves from the artificial systems of organizations, and (3) takespecific responsibility for their actions.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/01437739510076458
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