The dynamics of change : insights from the natural world into organisational transition

Giving a fascinating insight into the world of change and transition, this radical book, aimed at both organizational change practitioners and academics, tackles the fundamental question ‘what is change?’ The answers it seeks will significantly improve attempts to manage change more effectively. Innovative and absorbing, it charts a journey through a range of subjects including complexity science, nuclear physics, climatology, chemistry and chaos theory examining the change phenomena and the lessons it has to offer organizational and system thinkers. Key features include: * a review of the organisational change literature* an introduction to systems thinking* a change framework built up from key change building blocks* examples of change dynamics from the natural and physical sciences, and how they apply to our understanding of change within organisations* numerous summary tables and illustrative graphics This book, the first devoted entirely to exploring what change is as a phenomenon, has a uniquely rigorous scientific approach. It will be a valuable resource for students and professionals alike in the field of business and organizational change. The Dynamics of Change gives a fascinating insight into the world of change and transition. Aimed at both organisational change practitioners and academics, it tackles the fundamental question "what is change?" - in the belief that any answers will significantly improve our attempts to manage it more effectively. This highly readable book charts a journey through a range of subjects including complexity science, nuclear physics, climatology, chemistry and chaos theory examining many change phenomena and the lessons they have to offer organisational and system thinkers. Key features include:- a review of the organisational change literature - an introduction to systems thinking- a change framework built up from key change building blocks- examples of change dynamics from the natural and physical sciences, and how they apply to our understanding of change within organisations - numerous summary tables and illustrative graphics Book Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 4 Contents......Page 5 List of figures......Page 12 List of tables......Page 13 Preface......Page 14 Acknowledgements......Page 16 Glossary......Page 18 Managing change: the problem redefined......Page 20 Moving beyond the conventional: systems thinkers unite......Page 30 Organisational change thinking: a look back......Page 48 Tentative beginnings: some pioneers reviewed......Page 61 Forsaking pride and prejudice: multiple perspectives on change......Page 75 Building blocks of change: Part 1 The basics......Page 93 Building blocks of change: Part 2 Embedded dynamics......Page 112 Building blocks of change: Part 3 From levels to labelling......Page 134 Building blocks of change: Part 4 Resistance and endings explored......Page 155 Making it work and making a difference......Page 174 Notes......Page 186 Bibliography......Page 190 Author index......Page 214 Subject index......Page 218 Provides an insight into the nature of change and transition. Considers which principles govern change, what structural features and processes define it and whether there are any forces which drive and shape change. Examines a variety of change phenomena in the natural and physical world, and how they apply to our understanding of change within organizations Francis Stickland. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [171]-194) And Index.