Guidebook for Aligning Practices and Steering Multi-System Change

Building on the work of the authors’ previous volume, the Guidebook for Aligning Practices and Steering Multi‑System Change translates cutting‑edge theoretical concepts into the language and applied toolkits of change practitioners. This empirically grounded and theoretically sophisticated book provides policymakers and change‑managers methods and toolkits for conceptual modelling of change when handling cross‑sectoral issues. The authors both ‘zoom in’ to the granular unfolding change of everyday life and ‘zoom out’ to examine the ‘big picture’ of socio‑technical systems such as energy, mobility, food and healthcare. In addition to the social practice theories introduced in the first volume, the authors draw on the multi‑level perspective that underpins sustainability transition studies and combine two theories. They are also inspired by the Deep Transition concept that tackles multi‑systems change. Bridging the gap between the theorisation of sustainability transitions and practical guidelines, it will appeal to policymakers, sustainability project managers and students of management, social and political sciences, technology and innovation.

Triin Vihalemm is Professor of Communication Research at the University of Tartu. She is also director of the highly regarded master’s programme, Change Management in Society.

Margit Keller (PhD) is an Associate Professor of Social Communication and the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tartu, Estonia. She has been the chair of the Research Network of the Sociology of Consumption within the European Sociological Association.

Maie Kiisel (PhD) is a sociologist‑analyst of the sustainability team at the Centre for Applied Social Sciences, University of Tartu, Estonia. Her consulting activities have mainly been related to volunteer and public sector organisations and performance, thematically to nature conservation, environmental protection and forestry.