Do it again: revitalizing an organization concept
Journal of Organizational Change Management
ISSN: 0953-4814
Article publication date: 8 August 2023
Issue publication date: 5 September 2023
Abstract
Purpose
By exploring the process of concept revitalization, this paper contributes to a better understanding of the intraorganizational retention of organization concepts. Concept revitalization occurs when an organization refocuses attention and resources toward a previously adopted organization concept. This paper investigates why and how organization concepts are revitalized.
Design/methodology/approach
The findings are based on a case study of a Norwegian energy company's revitalization of the organization concept “lean”, whose initial implementation had been unsuccessful. The data were analyzed inductively by identifying how the concept was reframed during the second attempt and how the revitalization was justified.
Findings
In the case company, the revitalization was driven by (1) replacing the original label, (2) maintaining the original content in a slightly modified form and (3) altering the implementation mode. The changes were supported by a narrative of past shortcomings, lessons learned and a plan for future success, authored by internal experts in lean with a strong interest in ensuring positive results.
Research limitations/implications
Concept revitalization implies that there is more continuity in the application of ideas than is suggested in the literature on management fashions.
Originality/value
So far, the retention of organization concepts has only been studied at the field level. This study is the first to offer an empirically grounded understanding of intraorganizational concept revitalization.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to Dr Roel L.J. Schouteten and Amia Enam for their insightful comments.
Citation
Berg, C., Benders, J. and Ingvaldsen, J.A. (2023), "Do it again: revitalizing an organization concept", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 36 No. 5, pp. 812-824. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOCM-03-2023-0094
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2023, Emerald Publishing Limited