%0 Journal Article
%T Exploring a model for finding meaning in the changing world of work (Part 3: Meaning as framing context)
%A Daniel H. Burger
%A Freddie Crous
%A Gert Roodt
%J South African Journal of Industrial Psychology
%D 2013
%I AOSIS OpenJournals
%X Orientation: This article, the final in a series of three papers, locates organisational change, specifically within the context of individuals¡¯ experience of ¡®meaning¡¯, as conceptualised in Viktor Frankl¡¯s logotherapy.Research purpose: The purpose of this theoretical paper is to investigate the context of meaning in organisational change by exploring the relationship between meaning and change.Motivation for the study: Although literature on change management is available in abundance, very little research has been focussed on the micro-level issues pertaining to organisational change, and virtually no research relating to the ¡®existential meaning¡¯ context of such change could be found.Research design, approach and method: The study was conducted by means of a review of literature, guided by the theoretical perspectives of logotherapy.Main findings: Whilst systems to which individuals traditionally turned for meaning decline, organisations become increasingly important for employees¡¯ experience of meaning. As organisational change threatens such meaning, resistance to change may occur, which inhibits organisations¡¯ ability to change. Logotherapy provides a useful framework for understanding this meaning context, which could be utilised to inform frameworks to guide change implementation more successfully.Practical and managerial implications: An understanding of the role that meaning can play in causing   and hence reducing   resistance to change may be of great value to organisations attempting to implement change initiatives.Contribution: The value-add of the article is grounded on its exploration of the relatively uncharted territory of how the experience of meaning by employees may impact organisational change. This article therefore provides a novel perspective for conceptualising change. In addition, it suggests specific recommendations for utilising an understanding of the meaning change relationship with the objective of optimising change initiatives.
%K Organisation development (OD)
%K Viktor Frankl
%K logotherapy
%K Literature review
%U http://www.sajip.co.za/index.php/sajip/article/view/1022