As part of a qualitative research project to map the use of contemplative practices in secular settings, in‐depth interviews were conducted with 79 people who have founded or lead organizations where contemplative practices play a key role. In a number of interviews, contemplative practices were introduced into the workplace not only as ancillary stress‐reduction techniques for individuals, but...
Third‐order change in organizations refers to attempts to help organizational members to transcend their shared schemata. It has not previously been explored in depth. Uses mystical experience as a model of how the third‐order change process may occur. Discusses several characteristics of mystical experience, focusing in particular on the central characteristic of transconceptual understanding....
Proposes that there are parallels between the roles of shamans in their communities and the roles which organizational change and development consultants can play in guiding organizational transformations. Presents fundamental assumptions underlying the shamanic perspective on transformational change and utilizes them to understand the problems resulting from a large‐scale organizational change...