Constructing changes in relational processes: introducing a social constructionist approach to change work

This article is constructed in the form of a dialogue between a mother – who has just returned from the conference “It’s a relational world” – and her daughter, Sophie. Sophie asks her mother to explain what the conference was all about … what is “relational constructionism”, what is its relationship with interests in development and change? In the dialogues that follow they make reference to well‐known frameworks and ways of thinking including Lewin’s metaphor of planned change. The latter is explored, so making explicit related (and interrelated) assumptions about organisations, the nature of “human nature”, what is thought to be real and good, power, and the role of dialogue. These dialogues go on to explore other “relational” assumptions concerning the “same” issues. A relational approach to change is discussed as a different local narrative, not as a “superior” replacement for other approaches.