Beyond conventional change models: a processual approach

This article provides a critical appraisal of situational frameworks and for mulates an alternative perspective. Contingency theory is briefly examined and the Australian change model of Dunphy and Stace is outlined and crit icized. It is then shown how contextualist research views longitudinal research methodologies to be the most appropriate for studying the processes by which change unfolds. Building on this work, a processual perspective is formulated which advocates that the context, substance and the politics of change are all central to explanations of organizational transition. The article concludes by suggesting that conventional change models be replaced by processual frame works which are better able to explain the complex ongoing dynamic of organ izational change.