The Shamanic Perspective on Organizational Change and Development
Peter J. Frost, Carolyn P. Egri
Journal of Organizational Change Management February 1, 1994 DOI: 10.1108/09534819410050777 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Shamanism |
| Key points | Argues that organizational change and development consultants can be understood through parallels with shamans, and that the assumptions of the shamanic perspective on transformational change can illuminate problems in a large-scale organizational change programme. Proposes that an integrative, holistic approach supports the long-term viability and success of change interventions. |
Abstract
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 programme undertaken in one organization. Illustrates the importance of adopting an integrative holistic approach in order to enhance the long‐term viability and success of any organizational change and development intervention. Closes with a discussion of the ways in which organizational change and development consultants can and do act in shamanic ways.
Comparable studies
Other theoretical and historical papers on shamanism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayahuasca Shamanism in the Amazon and Beyond | 2014 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Shamanism as the Original Neurotheology | 2004 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| Cognitive Neuroscience, Shamanism and the Rock Art of Native California | 1998 | Theoretical or philosophical paper | |
| From Culture to Experience: Shamanism in the Pages of the Soviet Anti-Religious Press | 2020 | Historical analysis | |
| Anthropology, Shamanism, and Alternate Ways of Knowing–Being in the World: One Anthropologist's Journey of Discovery and Transformation | 2010 | Reflective essay or personal narrative |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- The supernatural salesman: unpacking shaman ‘witch doctor’ identity work Journal of Marketing Management November 22, 2018
- The Iron Cage Enchanted: Institutional Isomorphism and the Embrace of Mindfulness as Organizational Practice American Behavioral Scientist October 24, 2026
- Shamans, Memes, and Ethical Leadership Radical Thoughts on Ethical Leadership August 1, 2017