Change agent

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A change agent, or agent of change, is someone who intentionally or indirectly causes or accelerates social, cultural, or behavioral change. Because of their importance, change agents are the object of scientific research. Captology, developed at the Stanford Persuasive Technology Lab, for instance, systematically studies how interactive computing products can be used to influence the mind.

[edit] Change

Numerous driving forces motivate the behaviour of change agents. An agent who is constantly adapting to new practices is often motivated to find better ways to do things. These driving forces may be external—shaped by circumstances outside the agent's control, such as the state of society or the seasons— or internal—from a desire to make change.

[edit] Progression of change

Exploration

• Agent looks for better ways to do things

Refreezing

• Agent performs change

Management stages:

• Step 1: Agent determines the need for change
• Step 2: Agent forms a tentative plan for proposed change
• Step 3: Agent predicts probable reactions for proposed change
• Step 4: Agent decides on change
• Step 5: Agent forms a timetable for performing change
• Step 6: Agent performs change

Employee stages:

• Stage 1: Employee denies change
• Stage 2: Employee responds with anger and resistance
• Stage 3: Employee accepts and adapts to change
• Stage 4: Employee becomes committed to new environment

[edit] Further reading

• B.J. Fogg Persuasive Technology: Using Computers to Change What We Think and Do, Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2002, trade paperback 205 pages, ISBN 1-55860-643-2