A systems model of organizational change

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a meta-model of organizational change that allows to look at change from different angles. This meta-model starts from the idea that there are different discourses about organizational change, each having their own merits but also their own limitations. Bringing these discourses together into an integrated systems model allows the authors to capture the essence of organizational change a lot better.

Design/methodology/approach

This model is designed based on a literature review of organizational theories, systems theories related to theories of organizational change and specific theories about organizational change.

Findings

The literature review resulted in a systems model of organizational change that is better able to grasp the complexity of change than linear models.

Originality/value

This model goes beyond the usual change models from the normative discourse and provides a multidimensional view on organizational change.

Citation

Maes, G. and Van Hootegem, G. (2019), "A systems model of organizational change", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 32 No. 7, pp. 725-738. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-07-2017-0268