Organizational Change: From Theory to Practical

Term Paper # 105298

This paper explores changing an organization's orientation program from classroom-based to field-based, with a focus on group homes.

1,777 words () | 8 sources | APA | 2008 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at a plan to change an organization's orientation program from theoretical or classroom-based to practical or field-based. The paper refers to the work of Kurt Lewin and George Kuh and devotes some time to looking at rational change theory and at a broad definition of the concept of structural change. The paper discusses how decision-makers in a group home must anticipate resistance, must inform their subordinates of why they are pursuing the course they are and must be prepared to let go of staff who refuse to change.

From the Paper:

"To begin with, there are a number of different theories, models, concepts and contextual factors which come into play when we assess how best to change a group home's focus away from theoretical training for staff to field-based training for staff - with arguably the most significant insights coming from Kurt Lewin. Lewin (1947b) postulated that group behavior is best described as an intricate set of symbolic interactions which determine group structures as well as group behavior. In a real sense, the shape of things - and the conduct of individuals - was resolved by the enveloping "field" or environment."

Sample of Sources Used:

Burnes, Bernard. (2004). Kurt Lewin and the planned approach to change: A re-appraisal. Journal of Management Studies, 41(6): 977-1002.
Cummings, T.G., and Huse, E.F. (1989). Organization Development and Change, 4th Edition. St. Paul, MN: West Publishing.
Kezar, Adrianna. (2001). Organizational models and facilitators of change: Providing a framework for student and academic affairs collaboration. New Directions for Higher Education, 116, 63-74.
Kippenberger, T. (1998). Planned change: Kurt Lewin's legacy. The Antidote, 14, 10-12.
Lewin, K. (1947a). Frontiers in group dynamics. In Cartwright, D. (ed.), Field Theory in Social Science. London: Social Science Paperbacks.

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APA Citation:

Organizational Change: From Theory to Practical (2012, January 15). Retrieved February 10, 2012, from http://www.academon.com/Term-Paper-Organizational-Change-From-Theory-to-Practical/105298

MLA Citation:

"Organizational Change: From Theory to Practical" 15 January 2012. Web. 10 Feb. 2012. <http://www.academon.com/Term-Paper-Organizational-Change-From-Theory-to-Practical/105298>