The Science of Change: Discovering Sustained, Desired Change from Individuals to Organizations and Communities

by Richard E. Boyatzis

Genres: Leadership, Psychology

352 pages, Hardcover

Published October 22, 2024

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

Reviews

[Beth Melillo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love this topic.

Regretfully then, my expectations were very high, and my experience was very low. Rumor has it the author's other books are great, especially "Helping people change." This was one of the driest reads I have ever read on change. I can only assume it was a passion project to summarize his life's work in the way he likes best.

It is pretty much just 8 academic articles masquerading as a book.

Does it have decent information? I assume so, but I skimmed it.

My favorite part of the book was the epigraphs at the beginning of each chapter.

[Rachel M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is from one of the most cited and influential scholars in all sciences worldwide – Richard Boyatzis. A culmination of decades of research, drawing on neuroscience and complexity theory, Richard challenges the common belief that change is driven by goal setting, linear planning or even problem solving. Boyatzis´ Intentional Change theory, at the heart of the book highlights how vision, purpose and the Ideal Self fuel hope and motivation. Tipping points, rhythms of renewal and resonant relationships are key for change and learning! This is the only multi-level, fractal theory of change for individuals, dyads teams, organizations, communities and countries. Each chapter has empirically supported discoveries about sustained, desired change that will change the way you think and approach learning and change. Essential book for management, coaches, teachers, leaders interested in creating sustained personal and /or organizational change.