This chapter explores the various ways in which opposing and/or contradictory entities unfold and play out with regard to change in organizations. This is undertaken from two different viewpoints. First, from a micro-phenomenological perspective it examines how insights derived from critical theory and other critical traditions have influenced the development of change strategies, interventions, and techniques. Second, at a more macro-level, it explores the extent to which particular schools of thought with regard to organizational change and organization development (OD) have embraced and/or resisted, the inevitable and unavoidable critical challenges and opportunities presented by opposing agents, competing interests, conflicting entities, and contrasting meanings in organizations. The chapter concludes by discussing the scope for, and possible directions of, critical change scholarship and practice in the future.
Shaping the future learning environments with smart elements: challenges and opportunities
