The bubble strategy

Abstract

PurposeThis paper seeks to describe a “bubble strategy” to public sector change, based on the principles that a change initiative must be defensible and supportive of an alternative, entrepreneurial culture.Design/methodology/approachThe research is developed through an action research case in Salford City Council, through which theory from technology innovation, change management and other sources is explored.FindingsThe paper finds that the managers developed a dynamic process wherein their ability to defend the new change initiative was primary. This required “under‐the‐radar” tactics that allowed different elements of the change initiative to grow before they were assessed or adopted by the wider organisation.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper speculates on the ways in which the characteristics of the “bubble” could be adopted elsewhere. However, as an action research case, restrictions on the generalisability of the evidence are noted.Practical implicationsThe “bubble” strategy is set out in its constituent parts and is thereby available for adoption elsewhere.Originality/valueThe strategy employed in the case is not documented elsewhere. The paper utilizes technology innovation theory and related literature like “skunk works”, outside their intended private sector context.