The Change Agent: A Taxonomy in Relation to the Change Process

Abstract

The article begins with a historical review of the term change agent from its origin in Lippit, Watson, and Westley to current usage in behavioral science literature. More detailed descriptions are provided for research that has been conducted on change agents. Lewin's three-phase paradigm of social change is used to construct a taxonomy of ten categories of change agents involved. Activities and characteristics are proposed for each category, citing recent research efforts to substantiate them.