The role of “change leaders” in initiating or sponsoring strategic change in organisations is often positively presented as the counter‐image of traditional managerial roles. Managers, and especially middle managers, are viewed as individuals lacking in the, apparently, proactive...

Alignment is a key aspect of strategic change. Alignment between customers and employees is a critical component. Two functional areas ‐ marketing and human resources ‐ are well positioned to play important roles in the alignment process, and they share similar methods. But in most...

Contemporary organisational realities challenge consultants to develop: more up‐to‐date motivational knowledge; the ability and willingness to work with change agents unsympathetic to applied social science; and, facility with methodologies for both cultural and structural change. Changes over...

Describes a case study of a subsidiary of a major computer company which has achieved and is attempting to sustain cultural change in turbulent times. Outlines a “leadership for change” programme to move towards a more customer‐oriented culture. Presents a performance management model...

The effectiveness of the Competing Values Framework (CVF) as a means to determine human resource development needs was examined. Members of the board of directors and all full‐time employees of a Cooperative assessed the current status of the organizational culture and the nature of culture...

For many practitioners, appreciative inquiry (AI) is becoming an attractive philosophy of organization change and development. AI methodology has been primarily focused on the development of teams. This article provides case study evidence that AI has broader practical application than most...

As the number of mergers and acquisitions (M&As) continues to increase on a global basis, more leaders are called upon to develop their M&A transition skills. But what is the role of a leader when it has just been announced that their organization has been acquired or merged? How do leaders keep...