Sensemaking and organisational storytelling
Date
2007-03
Authors
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
The question of how organisation leaders can successfully guide people through times of
significant change, and thus transform organisations to operate successfully in a changed
environment, has many potential responses. This thesis examines one possible response,
namely storytelling, as a potentially useful management tool in the conditions introduced
by organisational change. In particular, the reported success of Stephen Denning’s use of
so-called springboard stories is subjected to an analysis from the point of view of
sensemaking theory as proposed by Karl Weick, using the seven properties of
sensemaking as a basis of the analysis.
Chapter 1 introduces the sensemaking theory of Karl Weick, a theory which explains the
process people engage when they attempt to manage complexity in their world. In
particular, this chapter examines the seven properties of sensemaking, as identified by
Weick as inherent in the process. Accepting the proposition that organisational
complexity is responded to at an individual level, this chapter examines the properties at
both that level, as well as in the specific context introduced by organisations. In addition,
the implications of the seven properties for organisational leadership are considered,
particularly during times of significant organisational change.
Stephen Denning’s reported experiences with the use of storytelling during
transformation in the World Bank are examined in chapter 2. Denning has become
renowned in the field of storytelling, since his development and use of springboard stories
specifically as a means of igniting action during organisational change. In addition to
their specific purpose, all springboard stories have unique defining characteristics,
relating to structure, format, content, style, length and timing. Each is examined in some
detail, along with other contributing factors such as context, plausibility and relationships
between the storyteller and listeners. Both successful and unsuccessful uses of
springboard stories are considered, to obtain an understanding of the experienced effect of
the explicitly noted characteristics of the stories and the storytelling encounter, as well as
of implied characteristics, during significant organisational change.
In chapter 3 the insight into sensemaking theory in chapter 1 forms the basis of an
interpretation of the finding of the storytelling examination in chapter 2. The experiences
are considered from the perspective of the process people go through in order to make
sense of complexity and interruptions in their ordered world. The interpretation attempts
to identify the relationship, if any, between the effects of the use of springboard stories as applied during change and the properties of the sensemaking process that will take place
in individuals attempting to deal with the change.
The thesis concludes that storytelling, as proposed by Stephen Denning, facilitates
sensemaking during times of organisational change. In doing so, storytelling enables the
selection of new identities and the related implementation of actions suited to the changed
environment. The impact of this conclusion on the use of traditional approaches to
communicate change is considered, particularly as it relates to leadership attempts to
guide people through change, and the change in leadership focus required to realise the
benefits inherent in the use of storytelling.
Description
Thesis (MPhil (Information Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
Keywords
Dissertations -- Information science, Theses -- Information science