The International Journal of Organizational Analysis · 1996 · 15 citations · 6 references
ManagementChange ManagementOrganizational BehaviorBehavior Change TheoryOrganizational ChangeOrganizational CommunicationChange AgentsChange StrategyOrganizational Change ManagementOrganizational RedesignCommunication During TurnaroundHuman Behavioral ChangeMaterial SymbolsOrganizational Change AgentsOrganizational Change Support
Symbols can effectively serve as triggers for cognitive and behavioral change. However, little is known about the use of symbolism in organizational change efforts. Therefore, this study, utilizing a national survey of turnaround change agents (TCAs), investigated their use of verbal, enacted, and material symbols during business turnarounds. Conclusions are drawn concerning the metaphors used to describe the context of the business turnaround and TCAs' usage and rated effectiveness of symbols. It is suggested that multiple symbolism practices should be included in organizational diagnoses.
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