Change, Change Competence and Personal Growth: Conceptual Framework for an Explorative Study

Abstract

The concept of change competence on which the Change Study is based is presented. Section 1 gives a general introduction to the problem of how individuals can recognize and name changes and processes of change in the complexity and dynamics of everyday life. In the examination of developmental psychological concepts, the scope for adaptive behavior is pointed out. Section 2 gives a brief outline of the development of the debate on the concept of competence. The concept of change competence is introduced as a general action competence and as a metacompetence to activate relevant individual competencies in the face of the challenges of specific situations. In dealing with the paradigms from the field of change management and in further developing the classical problem-solving and action theory, the concept of change competence of the IZZ Institute for Psychological Future Management establishes the four equivalent competence fields of orientation, stabilization, problem-solving and practice. The recognition, shaping and mastering of change processes is in turn understood as a dynamic, iterative, agile process in which the individual makes appropriate use of the various fields of competence. Finally, section 3 classifies individual situational change competence in the developmental psychological context of identity formation and personal development.