“Transfer of change” and large group intervention methods (LGIMs): a call for research on a neglected topic in organizational change literature

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to highlight the gap in organizational change literature in general and the large group interactive method (LGIM) literature in particular. Design/methodology/approach By comparing LGIM and training literature studies, the absence of a concept in the former literature parallel to the well-known concept of “transfer of training” is highlighted. The concept of the transfer of change is introduced to address this gap. Findings This paper suggests that the transfer of change is as important to the success of organizational change initiatives as transfer of training is to the success of training programs. Originality/value This paper is the first to introduce the concept of transfer of change to the organizational change and LGIM literature studies. Furthermore, a tentative research agenda regarding transfer of change and LGIMs is presented. Therefore, the paper is a valuable resource for researchers who study organizational change initiatives in general and LGIMs in particular.