Leadership of a cultural change process

Explores the successful role of leadership in initiating and sustaining a major process of change. The findings build on the work of others who have so ably demonstrated the influence of powerful leaders. Research is based on qualitative data from an ethnographic study which immersed itself in the minutiae of organizational life. Outlines the processes that have unfolded in the wider context of NHS change. Discusses the findings and debates supporting evidence. The resultant model of change indicates that successful leadership of cultural change requires leaders to think culturally, to be guided by a cognitive model of change and to employ the cultural tools of symbolism while actively focusing on the politics of acceptance. Hard systems and structural changes can be implemented in parallel with soft symbolic and political activity. A highly receptive context, either real or created, assists by providing a trigger for change.