Week 5 Flashcards
What is a change process?
A sequence of events, decisions, and actions involving both material and immaterial elements, resulting in a transformation (gradual or sudden, planned or unplanned). It usually relates to adaptation, growth, and development in response to internal and external pressures
What are the four theories of change according to Poole & Van de Ven (1989)?
What is the evolutionary theory of change?
Change occurs through recurrent cycles: variation -> selection -> retention. It is predetermined, focusing on survival of the fittest (e.g., Toyota).
What is the life cycle theory of change?
Change is linear, irreversible, and cumulative: start-up -> growth -> harvest -> termination. Each stage has different success criteria (e.g., Kodak).
What is the teleological theory of change?
Organisations change through goal-driven, adaptive cycles: goal formulation -> implementation -> evaluation -> learning. Goals can change and backtracking is possible (e.g., SpaceX).
What is the dialectical theory of change?
Change arises from conflict between interest groups. It’s a process of thesis -> antithesis -> synthesis, where all actors have agency but outcomes are unpredictable (e.g., strikes at British Airways).
Why are dialectical and teleological theories more useful in change leadership?
They acknowledge the influence of individual actors and change agents, allowing for intentional, strategic action within change processes.
What is a reactive sequence?
In dialectical theories, it’s when opposition redirects or reverses the intended change process (e.g., strikes due to pay disputes).
What is a self-reinforcing sequence?
In teleological theories, it’s when positive feedback maintains the change direction, which can cause inertia and suboptimal results (e.g., Nokia).
What are the 4 mechanisms of self-reinforcing sequences?
Increasing returns (e.g., setup costs, learning, coordination)
Coordination effects (group adoption makes change harder)
Cognitive biases (e.g., groupthink, authority trust)
Path dependence (e.g., QWERTY, early lock-in)
How to minimize negative impact of self-reinforcing sequences?
Break decisions into smaller ones
Reconfigure resources (e.g., skills)
Train for critical thinking and flexibility
How to minimize impact of reactive sequences?
Promote cooperation and shared value
Scan for resistance
Plan multiple scenarios and simulate outcomes
Stakeholder analysis
What is change management?
A planned approach to change aimed at controlling outcomes, reducing chaos, ensuring effectiveness, and securing lasting results. Often linked to teleological theories.
What is force field analysis?
A model of change where stability is a balance of opposing forces. Change occurs by increasing driving forces or reducing restraining forces to disturb equilibrium.
What are the 3 steps in Lewin’s Change Model?
Unfreeze: Destabilize the current state
Change: Introduce new behaviours/structures
Refreeze: Reinforce and stabilize the new state
What is the 5-step model by Hayes?
Recognize and initiate change
Diagnose and formulate vision
Plan and prepare
Implement
Sustain the change
What does Schein (1996) say about diagnosing change?
Confirm the current state lacks value
Motivate change through anxiety/desire
Build a realistic and compelling vision
Ensure psychological safety for stakeholders
