Intentional Change from a Complexity Perspective. Journal of Management Development, Volume25, Issue 7.

by Richard E. Boyatzis

In this e-book, each of the articles describes results and/or concepts driving current research studies on sustainable, intentional change. Life is change and we adapt to survive or we change to strive, often towards higher social motives or building caring relationships. These changes can be called intentional. Some are conscious and others are not (i.e., autonomic). But they are intentional, and as such are desired and purposeful. In accidental or imposed changes, we decide how will respond and in this sense, our response to the imposed or accidental change is also intentional. Hardly a day goes by when we do not have to deal with intentional change or its consequences at every level of our existence. The articles in this e-book examine how we can use complexity theory and its component concepts to understand desired change and build a model or theory of intentional change. They look at change at many levels of human, social organization, from the individual to dyads (in coaching) to teams to organizations to countries.

144 pages, ebook

First published August 25, 2006

About the author

Richard E. Boyatzis is a professor in the organizational behavior, psychology, and cognitive science departments of Case Western Reserve University and in the human resources department of ESADE. Using his Intentional Change Theory (ICT) and complexity theory, he continues to research sustained, desired change at all levels of human endeavor: individuals, teams, organizations, communities, countries, and global change.

Boyatzis has authored or coauthored more than 125 articles on leadership, competencies, emotional intelligence, competency development, coaching, and management education. His books include Becoming a Resonant Leader (Harvard Business Review Press, 2008), coauthored with Annie McKee and Fran Johnston; Resonant Leadership (Harvard Business Review Press, 2005), with Annie McKee; Primal Leadership (Harvard Business Review Press 2002), with Daniel Goleman and Annie McKee; and The Competent Manager (Wiley, 1982).

Boyatzis has a BS in aeronautics and astronautics from MIT and an MS and a doctorate in social psychology from Harvard University.

Source: Harvard Business School Publishing