Cultural Change in Organizations
A Toolkit for Applied Psychology in Change Management
This book
offers practical guidance on how to successfully implement systematic cultural change in change processes – using insights from organizational psychology for the benefit of both the organization and its employees.
About this book
Tangible tools for the four iterative phases of cultural change, including how to create role models and develop a compelling change story.
Effective didactics with summaries, checklists of success factors, background insights, reflection prompts, and practice exercises.
Five fundamental design principles, including what assembling IKEA shelves has to do with change.
Tips for cultural change agents on how to strengthen resilience and navigate change despite resistance through emotional intelligence and mindfulness.
Practical case studies from the corporate world, including transformation through digitalization.
For leaders, organizational developers, HR professionals, and consultants in startups, mid-sized companies, large enterprises, and public organizations.
The Authors
Dr. Svea von Hehn
has been working internationally as a management consultant (including for McKinsey & Company) since 1999. She holds a PhD in Psychology, is a multi-certified systemic coach, mindfulness trainer and is a partner at RETURN ON MEANING.
Nils I. Cornelissen
has been working internationally as a management consultant (including for McKinsey & Company) since 2003. He holds a degree in Communications and a master's degree in Psychology and Sociology. He is a certified coach as well as a facilitator and partner at RETURN ON MEANING.
Claudia Braun
has been working internationally as a management consultant (including for McKinsey & Company) since 2007. She holds a degree inInternational Business Administration, a Master of Public Administration, a Master of Public Policy as well as various certifications. She is a partner at RETURN ON MEANING.
Useful materials from the book available for download.
Here you can find fact sheets, checklists, and forms from our book available as PDFs for download.
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ISBN: 978-3-662-62029-8
Edition: Revised and Expanded 2nd Edition
Publication Date: January 22, 2022
Length: 266 pages
Binding: Hardcover
Price: EUR 39.99
Professors and book reviewers can request free examination and review copies.
Feel free to contact us or reach out directly to the publisher.
We appreciate your interest!
Reviews
"I highly appreciate this book because the authors take a systematic approach to cultural change by integrating scientific insights and a deep understanding of corporate realities into practical tools. They convey a strong sense of commitment by illustrating the complexity of cultural transformation and explaining how to make it manageable and sustainably successful. Last but not least, the authors consistently emphasize the crucial role of employees' perspectives in change processes, encouraging a respectful, mindful, and responsible—ultimately human—approach to transformation."
— Astrid Arndt, Chief People Officer, Zalando
"From my own professional experience, I have come to appreciate the importance of a carefully guided cultural change at various points in time. I have witnessed the successful application of the concepts and methods presented in this book.
The book stands out for its strong practical relevance—the interventions and concepts have been tested and can be implemented as described. With Cultural Change in Organizations, the authors have created a work that provides a comprehensive overview of the phases of change when read from start to finish. At the same time, it serves as a valuable reference guide, offering targeted inspiration and recommendations for specific challenges. A book that should always be within reach."
— Sabine Reinig, Head of Transformation Office, Boehringer Ingelheim
"I have been analyzing successful cultural change processes for a decade. For many key players, this journey feels like 'flying blind'—a sentiment I hear repeatedly from executives. This is entirely normal, as companies step into uncharted territory where processes, structures, and, most importantly, people’s mindsets are fundamentally questioned.
In these phases of uncertainty, it helps to have something that provides guidance. And that is exactly what the three authors achieve with their work: In a concise yet content-rich manner, they offer a roadmap for anyone looking to drive cultural change forward. I highly recommend having plenty of Post-its and highlighters ready when you start reading this book."
— Sebastian Purps-Pardigol, bestselling author and founder of Cultural Change in Companies and Organizations with Dr. Gerald Hüther
"Organizational cultures, especially in fast-growing companies, are constantly evolving. This practical yet profound book serves as a highly valuable guide for proactively managing cultural change. Anyone looking for inspiration, methods, and tools will definitely find them here."
– Dr. Lea Schröder, Head of HR, Raisin DS GmbH
"This book successfully bridges the gap between science and practice: The five design principles and the AkKo model, for example, are grounded in extensive organizational research. At the same time, the four phases of cultural change are presented in a highly practical and memorable way, using simple and field-tested tools. [...] I hope and believe that this book will make a valuable contribution to implementing change projects more professionally and successfully in both private and public organizations."
— Prof. Dr. Gerhard Hammerschmid, Professor of Public and Financial Management at the Hertie School of Governance in Berlin
"This book is an excellent companion on the journey of cultural change, helping to navigate the challenges that arise. The authors have successfully combined a pragmatic approach with a solid theoretical foundation—striking a balance between oversimplification and excessive academic complexity. [...] The practical examples, in particular, demonstrate the authors' deep expertise and reinforce the methods presented. A well-crafted work by practitioners, for practitioners."
— Zhengrong Liu, Board Member, Beiersdorf
