Understanding sensemaking in organisational change: a cognitive mapping approach

O’Connor, Maureen (2017). Understanding sensemaking in organisational change: a cognitive mapping approach. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

[img]
Preview
O'Connor17PhD.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version

Download (4MB)

Abstract

In this thesis I argue for consideration of an anticipatory level of sensemaking that influences how individuals think about and respond to organisational change. In asking how knowledgeable agents understand an altered environment, I adopt a holistic view of organisational and cognitive sensemaking literatures, to produce a sensemaking template identifying four key relational influences: Equilibration, Intentionality, Temporal Context, and Knowledge Structures.
The sensemaking template is used to inform the design of an interpretive study. A single local authority in the West Midlands region of England is the setting for the field research which was working to meet increasing demands for local services against a backdrop of austerity budgets and decreasing resources in 2012-2013. I employ cognitive mapping as part of a multi-method approach to identify previously tacit frames of reference used by research participants in making sense of self-selected episodes of change in the organisation.
In arguing that organisational change emerges through the enactment of cognitive agency, I use empirical data to expound on a previously invisible sensemaking process that is complex and nuanced, and which offers methodological, theoretical and analytical contributions to knowledge.

Type of Work: Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)
Award Type: Doctorates > Ph.D.
Supervisor(s):
Supervisor(s)EmailORCID
Griggs 1962-, StevenUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Jas, PaulineUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Jeffares, StephenUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Sullivan, HelenUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Durose, CatherineUNSPECIFIEDUNSPECIFIED
Licence:
College/Faculty: Colleges (2008 onwards) > College of Social Sciences
School or Department: School of Government and Society, Institute of Local Government Studies
Funders: None/not applicable
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
J Political Science > JS Local government Municipal government
URI: http://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/7164

Actions

Request a Correction Request a Correction
View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year