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Article
Publication date: 22 March 2011

Stefanie C. Reissner and Angélique Du Toit

This paper aims to propose, discuss and evaluate a four‐stage model of storyselling and its accompanying power dynamics, which are at the heart of coaching in organisations.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose, discuss and evaluate a four‐stage model of storyselling and its accompanying power dynamics, which are at the heart of coaching in organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is informed by a social constructionist view of coaching.

Findings

The conceptualisation of the coaching process as a series of storyselling activities highlights the power of storytelling to facilitate management development through coaching on the one hand and the potential for manipulation and abuse on the other.

Research limitations/implications

The application of storytelling in organisational coaching as well as the darker and manipulative side of storyselling in the coaching process and relationships should inform future research into these important phenomena.

Practical implications

An analysis of the complex nature of the dynamics of coaching and the multi‐layered nature of the relationship between coach, organisation and coachee will be of benefit to practising coaches, purchasers and recipients of coaching as well as researchers interested in coaching.

Originality/value

The value of this paper lies in the exploration of the relatively new concept of storyselling and accompanying power dynamics in an organisational coaching context.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2011

Stefanie C. Reissner

The purpose of this paper is to investigate three patterns of stories employed by organisational actors to make sense of organisational change: stories of “the good old days”;…

8428

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate three patterns of stories employed by organisational actors to make sense of organisational change: stories of “the good old days”; stories of deception, taboo and silence; and stories of influence. Each pattern reflects one way in which organisational actors make sense of change and in which they use their stories for different purposes. This argument is illustrated by short evocative stories from the original data.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper derives from qualitative and inductive cross‐national research into organisational change and learning. Three manufacturing firms, one each from the UK, South Africa and Russia, were studied to investigate sensemaking under conditions of change. Data were collected through narrative interviews and interpreted using an inductive approach borrowing elements from grounded theory and analytic induction.

Findings

Personal accounts of experiences with organisational change (change stories) have a dual purpose. On the one hand, they are powerful sensemaking devices with which organisational actors make organisational change meaningful. On the other hand, they contest official change stories, reflecting the complex dynamics of organisational change in patterns of stories. The conclusion is that the experiences and agendas of different organisational actors shape the interests and actions of people in organisations, with decisive implications for patterns of organisational change.

Research limitations/implications

Organisational change as a multi‐story process needs to be investigated through further qualitative and contextual research to provide richer insights into the dynamics of storytelling and sensemaking under conditions of organisational change.

Originality/value

Cross‐national study that builds on case and cross‐case analysis of autobiographical stories of experiences with organisational change.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 24 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 May 2010

Stefanie C. Reissner

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how organisational change can affect the development of personal identities using a narrative approach.

6687

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how organisational change can affect the development of personal identities using a narrative approach.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper derives from qualitative and inductive cross‐national research into organisational change and learning. Three manufacturing firms, one each from the UK, South Africa and Russia, were studied to investigate sensemaking under conditions of change. Data were collected through narrative interviews and interpreted using an inductive approach borrowing elements from grounded theory and analytic induction.

Findings

The data suggest that organisational change affects the personal identities of those involved through the way in which organisational actors' expectations are being met, exceeded or disappointed. The conclusion is that changes in the work environment can result in major revisions to organisational actors' biographical selves and accompanying stories that give meaning to past experiences and future expectations.

Research limitations/implications

Further qualitative and inductive research is required to further investigate the dynamics of identity construction under conditions of organisational change.

Originality/value

Five short biographical stories by selected research participants provide rich insights into the dynamics of identity development under conditions of organisational change.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 2005

Stefanie C. Reissner

To investigate the relationship between learning, organizational change, organizational culture and narratives. The issues are explored on the basis of a case study of an…

4504

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the relationship between learning, organizational change, organizational culture and narratives. The issues are explored on the basis of a case study of an automotive supplier based in North‐East England where learning is deeply integrated in the daily routines of the company.

Design/methodology/approach

The project reported upon in this paper was of qualitative and interpretive nature, using narrative cross‐national comparative research. The main data collection method was in‐depth interviewing with organizational members from all hierarchical levels. The interviews were tape‐recorded, transcribed and fed back to the interviewees. The data was analysed using grounded theory.

Findings

The research concludes that organizational change, learning and culture are deeply interwoven. More specifically, the success of the case study company is based to a large extent on its people focus and unique learning culture, which are reflected in, separable from and sustained by the prevailing organizational narratives.

Research limitations/implications

The generalizability of case studies is limited, but opens up new questions to be explored by further research into the relationship of organizational change, learning, culture and narratives.

Practical implications

Organizational narratives are a powerful tool for managers to examine cultural aspects within the firm, which should be used more widely.

Originality/value

The paper raises interesting issues for management researchers, challenging some previously taken for granted assumptions.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2011

Adrian N. Carr and Cheryl Ann Cheryl Ann (formerly Lapp)

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the manner in which storytelling has become an increasingly common part of management development, and to highlight some of the use and…

3775

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the manner in which storytelling has become an increasingly common part of management development, and to highlight some of the use and abuse of storytelling as a management development tool.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts an initial warning about the way storytelling is being used, particularly by management and leadership coaches, questioning whether the term “storytelling” is an appropriate term to use for what is occurring. The notion of “storyselling” is introduced in such a context and, in so doing, stimulates critical reflection about storytelling. A summary of key ideas of other papers is also presented to assist the reader in better understanding the broader trajectories contained in the papers as a whole.

Findings

Many are now starting to question practical guidance that is emerging from organization and management literature. Multiple paradigms have yielded not complementary perspectives on management problems, but less than unambiguous voices and guidance. Storytelling has become increasingly popular because it fills a void left by the current state of the organization and management literature. The practical guidance that “preaches” how an approach worked for others in similar situations makes storytelling a big business. Often wrapped up in the rhetoric of management and leadership coaching, storytelling becomes a core educative tool – a tool that this paper, and volume, suggests needs to be carefully examined.

Originality/value

The paper, and the volume as a whole, represents an opportunity for readers to join with the authors in a reflexive consideration of storytelling. The paper and volume also represent a cautionary note to those who rely upon what is dubbed “storytelling” as a core educative tool.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 30 August 2011

Slawomir Magala

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Abstract

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 24 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2021

Stefanie Reissner and Andrea Whittle

The aim of this review paper is to identify the methodological practices and presentational styles used to report interview-based research in “leading” management and organisation…

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this review paper is to identify the methodological practices and presentational styles used to report interview-based research in “leading” management and organisation journals.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews a sample of 225 articles using qualitative interviews that were published in management, human resource management, organisational behaviour and international business journals listed in the Financial Times 50 list between 2009 and 2019.

Findings

The review found diversity and plurality in the methodological practices used in these studies and the presentational styles used to report interview research.

Practical implications

The findings are expected to help doctoral students, early career scholars and those new to using qualitative interviews to make decisions about the appropriateness of different methodological practices and presentational styles. The findings are also expected to support editors, reviewers, doctoral examiners and conference organisers in making sense of the dissensus that exists amongst qualitative interview researchers (Johnson et al., 2007). These insights will also enable greater “paradigmatic awareness” (Plakoyiannaki and Budhwar, 2021, p. 5) in the evaluation of the quality of interview-based research that is not restricted to standardised criteria derived from positivism (Cassell and Symon, 2015).

Originality/value

To make sense of this plurality, the authors map these practices and styles against the onto-epistemological paradigms identified by Alvesson (2003, 2011). The paper contributes to calls for philosophical diversity in the evaluation of qualitative research. The authors specifically articulate concerns about the use of practices in interview-based studies that derive from the positivistic logic associated with quantitative research.

Details

Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5648

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2012

Angélique du Toit and Stefanie Reissner

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence of the supportive role of coaching in team learning and professional development on a bespoke vocational university…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide empirical evidence of the supportive role of coaching in team learning and professional development on a bespoke vocational university course for frontline family support workers.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is informed by a social constructionist view of coaching and adult learning. Data were collected through six qualitative in‐depth interviews with course participants and one group interview and were interpreted using thematic analysis.

Findings

Course participants identified the learning environment, the course content, varied teaching and learning methods, and inclusion of coaching in the course as the main elements that supported their learning. The course has enabled them to develop on both personal and team level in their daily work and to achieve superior performance.

Research limitations/implications

More research into the role of coaching to facilitate team learning of frontline employees from different organizational settings is required.

Practical implications

Adult educators designing bespoke university courses need to provide opportunities for social interaction among course participants as well as opportunities for advanced personal and professional development.

Originality/value

The research reported in the paper focuses on the role of coaching to enhance team learning in a multi‐disciplinary team of family support workers.

Details

International Journal of Mentoring and Coaching in Education, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6854

Keywords

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