Organizational Change
Creating Change Through Strategic Communication
By: Laurie K. Lewis
Published: May 3, 2011
Format: Paperback, 312 pages
ISBN-10: 9781405191890
ISBN-13: 978-1405191890
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
"Change is a prominent feature of organizational,civic, and personal life. Change is something we sometimes seek, sometimes resist, and often have thrust upon us", writes Associate Professor in Rutgers’ School of Communication and Information at Rutgers University, Laurie K. Lewis, in her comprehensive and outstanding book Organizational Change: Creating Change Through Strategic Communication. The author describes the value of a communications approach change; and takes the perspective of the interaction between those who implement change and the affected stakeholders, and between the various stakeholders themselves.
Laurie Lewis understands that change occurs for many different reasons within organizations. At the same time, the author points out that change is very often necessary to correct past problems or to move forward in improving both the organization and the people within it. Change also provides opportunities for company growth or the avoidance of competitive failure. Failure to make changes can lead to disaster, but change can also create problems if not implemented correctly. The change process itself is examined by Laurie Lewis to ensure that the many perspectives are considered and put into practice to the benefit of the stakeholders involved. As a result, the author takes a communications perspective to change to avoid the problems and pitfalls that have derailed many poorly executed change processes in organizations.
Laurie K. Lewis (photo left) presents the specifics of the Stakeholder Theory perspective that examines the issue of change from the viewpoint of interaction of change makers with stakeholders. The perspective also considers the relationships between the various stakeholders themselves, as their motivations and goals are often in opposition to one another. The changes themselves create other changes, referred to by the author as ripple effects, that happen simply through the changes made in the process. Changes come in all sizes and scope, and can be large enough to cripple entire industries, or they may be small and only affect certain individuals. There will always be ripple effects resulting from both desirable and undesirable change. Stakeholder Theory helps to understand these changes, ripple effects, and impact on all stakeholders. The communications approach taken by Laurie Lewis throughout the book considers these interpersonal relationships and takes into consideration the need for understanding and dialogue between implementers and stakeholders.
For me, the power of the book is how Laurie K. Lewis presents and holistic framework that goes to the very heart of change. The author offers a strong theoretical basis for the causes, effects, and dynamics of organizational change. The emphasis on the communications perspective facilitates understanding for the causes or need for change, as well as for sharing the process to implement or counter that change. Unlike many books on organizational change, the author considers both desirable and unwanted change and the ramifications of both types.
Laurie Lewis backs up her theoretical analysis with a solid and illustrative group of case studies. The cases demonstrate the value of stakeholder communication in the event of both planned or unplanned change. The cases also point to importance of communication between implementers and stakeholders during the change process itself. The book provides the background necessary for organizations to utilize positive change to their advantage, and to prevent the problems generated by unplanned change. The author shares ideas for the successful implementation of change through enhanced communication and feedback channels for everyone involved.
I highly recommend the essential and must read book Organizational Change: Creating Change Through Strategic Communication by Laurie K. Lewis, to anyone seeking an important contribution to change management literature. This book works well as an academic study on the topic of change, and as a practical guide for change practitioners within organizations.
Read the valuable and well researched book Organizational Change: Creating Change Through Strategic Communication by Laurie K. Lewis, and put this holistic and communication oriented book to work for your organization. This book offers a fresh and important perspective on change management and its effects on organizations, change implementers, and the various affected stakeholders.
No comments:
Post a Comment