Join getAbstract to access the summary!

The Change Handbook

Join getAbstract to access the summary!

The Change Handbook

Group Methods for Shaping the Future

Berrett-Koehler,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Text available

What's inside?

Your consultants parachuted in, dazzled you with jargon, and dashed away. If you’re trying to figure out what went wrong, check these summaries of 18 different organizational approaches to change. Next time you’ll know.

Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

This handbook of change is a must-have for any executive, simply as a primer in the language spoken by consultants. Read this book and become instantly familiar with the latest, most successful, and even the trendiest theories of change management. The editors have evaluated 18 leading change methods, as applied and tested by some of the largest corporations in the United States. They group the change methods by functional categories, making it easier for readers to go directly to the method that applies to their particular problem. Another bonus: The leading practitioners in the field write the change method chapters, bringing a unique depth of perspective. The editors also have written several excellent chapters on the nature of change. An extraordinary comparative matrix - worth the price of the book by itself - is included in the "Afterword." getAbstract recommends this book to executives, managers, change agents, human resources professionals and students.

Summary

The Need for Change

Whatever organization you work in, change is the one thing you can count on. But in the past, change occurred at a predictable and incremental rate. Today, it occurs much more quickly, presenting a challenge for managers. To keep up, managers must learn to be effective change agents. This is difficult because the traditional assumptions, sources and solutions available to managers no longer are valid - or they only bring about a piecemeal response. Therefore, managers must consider, test and apply new methods. "High level change methods can help you initiate sustainable improvements in your organization or community."

Here are 18 change methods, evaluated in three application categories, Planning Methods, Structuring Methods and Adaptable Methods. In the first two methods, planning and structuring are the central cores of program design. Adaptable Methods vary according to important issues not directly related to planning or structuring. "Choose the method that may not necessarily fit your current culture, but that you believe can move you from where you are today to the culture you want."

Planning Methods

Four methods fall under this...

About the Authors

Peggy Holman is a writer and consultant who works with organizations to help them achieve cultural transformation. Tom Devane is an internationally known consultant and speaker specializing in transformation.

Comment on this summary