Using a Case Study to Teach Leaders How to Enact Positive Organizational Change

Abstract

It can be difficult for students to digest and learn complex theories of organizational culture and change without being able apply the steps to a real or imagined scenario. Oftentimes, they lack experience and can’t imagine the components of each phase or step without a practical example. This article discusses the theoretical background of leading positive organizational change and then uses a case study to help students apply their knowledge. It highlights the fictional leadership dilemma of a young Army officer, First Lieutenant Jordan Baker, upon arrival to her new duty location. Instructors can use the case to teach the 4-Phase Leading Change Framework which incorporates Kotter’s eight-step model to enact positive change. The purpose of this case is to give instructors a framework to teach students in a stepwise fashion, making concepts easier for students to visualize.