Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A 'must-have' for OD professionals, 19 May 2008
The Change Handbook is a `must-have' for anyone working in the field of organisation development whether in the public sector, small to multinational business, community and not for profit organisations, education or consulting. It is a major reference text, rightly described on the cover as "The Definitive Resource on Today's Best Methods for Engaging Whole Systems". It is, to my knowledge, only book that provides such a comprehensive view into the wide variety of change methods from around the world in one place. The first edition was published in 1999 and is now updated with the latest change methods that have emerged since the first edition was published and the removal of now outdated methods.
In all, the book covers 61 processes. 19 of the more well-established practices such as Appreciative Inquiry, Dialogue and Deliberation. Open Space Technology, Technology of Participation, World Café, Future Search, Scenario Thinking, Rapid Results and Six Sigma, are given in-depth chapters written by the leaders in the community of practice, in many cases the original designer - names like David Cooperrider, Harrison Owen, Marshall Rosenberg, Dick and Emily Axelrod, Marvin Weisbord, Sandra Janoff and Diana Whitney are among the chapter authors. The other 42 chapters are described as thumbnails - briefer overviews of the method, In some cases these methods are long established, or hybrids or developments of core methodologies, but also there are outlines of new, leading- edge techniques that bring an originality and challenge to the subject.
As you would expect from a comprehensive reference text covering so many methods, none of the chapters contains a complete `how to' guide, but there is an overview of the basics, usually illustrated with some examples, answers to the frequently asked questions on the method, a table of uses, and where to go for more information. In addition the in-depth chapters contain sections on getting started, the roles and responsibilities of sponsors and facilitators, the theory base and conditions for success.
The methods are grouped into Adaptable - ones that can be used for a variety of purposes; Planning - about helping people shape the future; Structuring which seek to redefine relationships or work practices; Improving methods to increase effectiveness; and Supportive methods which enhance the efficacy of other change methods. There is an overview matrix in the introductory section and a one page quick summary of each method at the end of the book which allow quick comparisons and method selection. Chapters on mixing and matching; outcomes, sustainability and measurement; and future speculation round out the introduction and epilogue to the main text.
As you would expect from the standard of the authors and the 90 or so international contributors who supply the meat of the text, the articles are informative and authoritative. It is no mean feat by the editors to have compiled such a wide set of contributors and yet maintained a consistently high standard and style of writing throughout. It is a comprehensive and useable resource in the area of whole system change. For anyone remotely involved in the subject it is an invaluable asset. My copy is already well used and will probably stay on the desktop rather than being returned to the bookshelf!
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Book We All Must Have, 22 Feb 2007
We have been waiting for that book for a long time. Peggy Holman's Change Handbook is now available in its second edition. Since its first edition in 1999, it has increased in volume and in significance. Holman and her co-authors describe 61 collaborative methods that can be applied for working with large groups in private corporations, the public sector and for the development of democratic institutions. The book provides more than a thesaurus and an encyclopedia of change - it contains probably more than 90% of the current world knowledge on whole systems change applications. Beside the well-known methods and frameworks such as Open Space Technology, Appreciative Inquiry, etc. there are a lot of new methods that I have never heard of. Unfortunately, there is no article on Worldwork and the Process Oriented Psychology Framework. Next Edition, please?
The Change Handbook is very well organized, methods are categorized and there are good hints for when to apply the different methodologies. It is a must for Change Practitioners. If you are keen on The Standard Reference, you need to buy The Change Handbook.
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