Beyond Reductionism: Gateways for Learning and Change

Douglas, Neil; Wykowski, Terry

ISBN 10: 1574442635 / ISBN 13: 9781574442632

Published by Routledge, 1999

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: Beyond Reductionism: Gateways for Learning and Change
• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication Date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1574442635
• ISBN 13: 9781574442632
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

Beyond Reductionism: Gateways for Learning and Change takes a critical look at organizational learning and change management from a leadership perspective in late 20th century organizations. The authors argue that the dynamics that restrain the efforts of leaders transcend personal attributes and leadership styles. They are rooted in the nature of work and institutions and the histories and cultures of the organizations themselves. Often seen as the central constraint - and the core limiting factor in organizational effectiveness and learning - reductionism is defined as over-simplification and a failure to comprehend the nature of life in organizations by concentrating too fully on discrete and disconnected aspects of reality. The other constraints of hierarchy and institutional knowledge are activated and driven by reductionism. After reading Beyond Reductionism: Gateways for Learning and Change leaders at all organizational levels will understand why low levels of organizational learning persists and change efforts fail. They will also be equipped to recognize and reject overly simplistic and superficial interventions, helping them to create non-reductionist strategies for creating and sustaining change. Actual project designs, experiences, techniques and results are described in the book within an overall framework that emphasizes the roles and interconnectedness of individuals, leaders, and groups, all operating within the overlay of culture.

About the Author

Terry Wykowski was educated at the graduate and post graduate Ievels in both the United States and at the University of Oxford in England. She has an extensive background in Organizational Behavior and Psychology. Her work background includes internal and external consulting in change management and training; she has led consulting assignments for large organizations in the U.S. and in Europe. Neil Douglas has a background in information technology and management at all Ievels. He was a Chief Information Officer, a Senior Vice President for a large organization and served as President of two high technology companies. His research and consulting assignments in Organizational Behavior utilize his extensive background in leading change as a senior executive.