A journey to learn about journeys : a practical examination of the nature of the relationship between the change manager and his change project

Barker, H

Abstract

This research is concerned with finding out about the nature of the relationship
between the change manager and the change project. An action learning approach to
the investigation and analysis was adopted throughout in order to achieve a
'practitioner's perspective' in a range of inter-related learning environments.
The research tracks the progress of six change managers. To attempt to minimise the
variables, six smaller organisations (i.e. those employing fewer than 250 employees)
from the manufacturing and production sector were recruited; all were based within a
20 mile radius; and all were attempting to change to meet the key indicators of a
national performance standard from a similar starting point. Please see Table 1 below
for further details.
From the work with the change managers and the action learning set, all of whom
acted as co-researchers during the analysis phase, some conclusions were drawn. The
most significant being that the relationship between the change manager and the
change project could be described as being essentially symbiotic in its nature, insofar
as the change project impacted directly and indirectly upon the change manager, and
the change manager's direct and indirect actions influenced the degree of success of
the change project.
From the conclusions drawn, and as might be considered to befit an action learning
approach to research, a practical solution was proposed for achieving more successful
organisational change outcomes - a framework to enable the change manager to
develop, within the context of the demands of the change project. The framework
was not intended to be a constant, but rather a guide for action. Some conclusions
were also drawn about the form of the development which might be required by those
advising on change, as a consequence of the findings.

Citation

Barker, H. A journey to learn about journeys : a practical examination of the nature of the relationship between the change manager and his change project. (Thesis). Salford : University of Salford

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 3, 2012
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2000