How To Become A Change In 3 Or 4 Hours Assignment 2

Submit In 3 4 Hoursassignment 2 How Does One Become A Change Agent

Locate and read the article by R. Huising (2006), "Becoming (and being) a change agent: personal transformation and organizational change," published at the American Sociological Association meeting. Analyze this article using the week's lecture and readings, along with at least two additional sources. Critically examine the author’s perspective on change agents and provide your own assessment or viewpoint on the content. The paper should be formatted in proper APA style, approximately three pages in length. Review and incorporate relevant concepts related to individual transformation, organizational change processes, and the development of change agents. Ensure the paper contains correct grammar, spelling, and word choice, and that all sources are properly cited in APA style. Submit the completed work into the designated course Dropbox.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of becoming a change agent is a complex journey that involves personal transformation, deliberate skill development, and an understanding of organizational dynamics. According to Huising (2006), change agents do not emerge fully skilled or motivated but must undergo extensive training and self-reflection to effectively facilitate change within organizations. This perspective emphasizes the transformational nature of the change agent’s role, aligning with broader theories of leadership development and organizational change as outlined in contemporary literature.

Analysis of the Article

Huising's (2006) exploration of change agents underscores the importance of personal growth as a precursor to effective organizational change. The article advocates for a view that change agents are not inherently gifted but are individuals who develop competencies and self-awareness through deliberate effort. The author emphasizes the significance of transformative learning experiences, which foster the necessary qualities such as resilience, adaptability, and emotional intelligence (Mezirow, 1991). These attributes are essential for navigating the challenges encountered when implementing change initiatives that often meet resistance from stakeholders.

Furthermore, Huising discusses the iterative process of self-assessment and reflection that change agents must engage in to refine their approaches. This aligns with theories of reflective practice (Schön, 1983), which suggest that continuous learning and adaptation are vital for sustained impact in organizational settings. The article also highlights the importance of social skills, ethical considerations, and contextual intelligence, which enable change agents to build trust and legitimacy among colleagues (Erikson, 2008).

The Author’s Perspective on Change Agents

Huising adopts a developmental perspective, asserting that becoming a change agent requires more than technical knowledge or authority; it involves a transformation in mindset and identity. The article portrays change agents as individuals committed to ongoing personal growth, driven by a sense of purpose and social responsibility. Huising emphasizes the importance of internal motivation and ethical integrity, positioning these qualities as foundational for enduring influence (Goleman, 1998). The author also recognizes the role of formal training programs, mentorship, and experiential learning in cultivating the necessary skills and attitudes.

This perspective aligns with leadership theories such as transformational leadership, which stress the importance of inspiring and motivating others through authentic personal conviction (Bass & Avolio, 1994). Huising's portrayal of change agents as lifelong learners echoes contemporary ideas in leadership development, which advocate for continuous self-improvement and adaptability in dynamic environments.

Personal Assessment and Viewpoint

From my perspective, Huising’s emphasis on personal transformation as central to becoming an effective change agent is compelling and aligns with evidence from leadership studies. I agree that change is most sustainable when driven by individuals who possess a genuine internal motivation and a clear ethical compass. The article’s focus on self-awareness and reflective practice highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, which research increasingly associates with successful leadership (Goleman, 1995).

However, I believe that the development of change agents also benefits from structural and organizational support. Formal training, coaching, and organizational culture play significant roles in facilitating individual growth and ensuring that change efforts are aligned with broader strategic objectives (Kotter, 1997). While Huising emphasizes personal qualities, I posit that systemic factors and resource availability are equally critical in fostering effective change agents within complex organizations.

Conclusion

Overall, Huising’s (2006) article offers valuable insights into the transformational journey of becoming a change agent. It underscores the importance of ongoing personal development, ethical integrity, and reflective learning as foundational elements. While I concur with many of the author's viewpoints, I also believe that organizational support structures are crucial in nurturing and empowering change agents to sustain meaningful change. Future research should explore how organizational environments can best facilitate the growth of change agents alongside individual efforts.

References

  • Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Sage Publications.
  • Erikson, E. H. (2008). Identity and the life cycle. Routledge.
  • Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.
  • Goleman, D. (1998). Working with emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.
  • Kotter, J. P. (1997). Leading change. Harvard Business Review Press.
  • Mezirow, J. (1991). Transformative learning: Theory to practice. New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 1991(89), 5-12.
  • Schön, D. A. (1983). The reflective practitioner: How professionals think in action. Basic Books.
  • Huising, R. (2006). Becoming (and being) a change agent: personal transformation and organizational change. Paper presented at the American Sociological Association.
  • Argosy University Library. (n.d.). Access to Huising (2006) article.
  • Additional resource about leadership development and organizational change. (Insert actual reference here).