Looking forwards: discursive directions in organizational change

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to review the discursive formation of organizational change and to consider the possible directions that change management initiatives may take in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This closing piece identifies a traditional change discourse and an emerging change discourse. This is achieved through a review of the extant literature and the contributions to the special issue.

Findings

The paper highlights a shift of emphases in organizational change due to environmental imperatives. In particular, it reveals a move from problem‐centred, discrete interventions to a focus on continuous improvements. It also draws attention to the emerging significance of discourse‐based approaches concerned with image, identity, organizational learning and knowledge management.

Originality/value

Provides a framework for classifying different forms of organizational change activity and posits directions for future development.

Citation

Oswick, C., Grant, D., Michelson, G. and Wailes, N. (2005), "Looking forwards: discursive directions in organizational change", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 383-390. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534810510607074