Concepedia

Abstract

Symbols can effectively serve as triggers for cognitive and behavioral change. However, we know very little about the use of symbolism in organizational change efforts. Therefore, this study, drawing on the business turnaround literature, investigated the use of verbal, enacted, and material symbolic actions in organizational change efforts. Summarized in this paper are the results of a national survey of turnaround change agents (TCAs) regarding their symbolic actions during business turnarounds.