This article provides a critical appraisal of situational frameworks and for
mulates an alternative perspective. Contingency theory is briefly examined
and the Australian change model of Dunphy and Stace is outlined and crit
icized. It is then shown how contextualist research views longitudinal research
methodologies to be the most appropriate for studying the processes by which
change unfolds. Building on this work, a processual perspective is formulated
which advocates that the context, substance and the politics of change are all
central to explanations of organizational transition. The article concludes by
suggesting that conventional change models be replaced by processual frame
works which are better able to explain the complex ongoing dynamic of organ
izational change.
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