Third‐order Organizational Change and the Western Mystical Tradition
Jean M. Bartunek, Michael K. Moch
Journal of Organizational Change Management February 1, 1994 DOI: 10.1108/09534819410050795 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Citations | 128 |
| Key points | Argues that mystical experience, particularly its central characteristic of transconceptual understanding, offers a model for how third-order organizational change occurs. Uses Teresa of Avila as an example of a mystical life reflected in organizing activities and proposes a preliminary model for developing third-order change capacity. |
Abstract
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. Presents an example of Teresa of Avila, a Spanish woman from the sixteenth century whose mystical life was reflected in her organizing activities. Suggests how mystical experience can inform understanding of the third‐order organizational change process and presents a preliminary model of ways in which the third‐order change capacity might be developed.