Abstract
This article applies change agency to the institutions of higher education in South Africa – referring here to all the post-school institutions and educators in general and more specifically focused on the unique opportunities and responsibilities towards change agency in theological training. The focus is on the characteristics of a change agent, which could be an individual or a group. Seemingly, change is not going to be initiated in a ‘top-down’ approach; therefore, this article suggests a ‘bottom-up’ approach, starting with a change agent (an individual or a group) to become enthusiastic and active to bring about change. The method of constructivism is used, complemented by a general literature review of the past 70 years, filled with definitions of change agents and change agency. After the discussion of a few models, the researcher ventures to propose a way in which change agency can find a foothold among theological educators in higher education institutions in South Africa.
Highlights
In 1947, the National Training Laboratories Institute was founded by Kurt Lewin, Ron Lippitt and others at Bethel (Maine, United States [US]), and in that same year Lewin’s staff used the term ‘change agency’ to facilitate discussions that took place among ‘heterogenous [sic] groups of professional helpers’ (Lippitt, Watson & Westley 1958:10)
Change agency is implemented against the backdrop of constructivism
Some scholars regarded change agency as a group activity, while others believed that the individual can act as a successful change agent
Summary
In 1947, the National Training Laboratories Institute was founded by Kurt Lewin, Ron Lippitt and others at Bethel (Maine, United States [US]), and in that same year Lewin’s staff used the term ‘change agency’ to facilitate discussions that took place among ‘heterogenous [sic] groups of professional helpers’ (Lippitt, Watson & Westley 1958:10). This is the reason why many scholars regard Lewin as the father of concepts like change agent, action research and group dynamics (cf Benne 1976; De Board 1978; Foster 1972; Hall & Lindsey 1978). Some general characteristics of change agents as well as a short list of characteristics that theological educators should embrace are included as pointers towards stimulating educators to become positive agents of change
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