The patterning of limited structural change

No Thumbnail Available
File version
Author(s)
Schwarz, Gavin
Shulman, Arthur
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
2007
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract

Purpose - Organizational change theorists tend to focus on substantive changes and frequently ignore or underplay the significance of the features of structural inertia. The effect of this preoccupation has minimized our understanding of frequently occurring patterns of limited structural change. The purpose of this paper is to encourage theorizing and debate about limited structural change. Design/methodology/approach - This paper presents a conceptual explanation of the different patterns of limited structural change that arise in organizations undertaking change. It reviews and comments on how different patterns occur at the organization level as a result of the adjustment of component forces around pattern profiling centers of gravity. Findings - A pervasive finding in change literature is that organizations tend to fall back on more of the same, even when they undergo some major structural change. The paper proposes a framework encapsulating four competencies that synergistically complement each other as a foundation for explaining different patterns of limited structural change. Originality/value - The paper argues for advancing theory accounting for limited structural change, moving away from the dichotomy of change as normal and limited change as atypical. Normative rational change actions and bounded change actions interact and coexist in parallel. A focus on explaining limited change is a starting point for advancing our understanding of this coexistence.

Journal Title

Journal of Organizational Change Management

Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume

20

Issue

6

Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement

© 2007 Emerald. Please refer to the journal's website for access to the definitive, published version.

Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject

Business and Management

Marketing

Persistent link to this record
Citation
Collections