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Managing & Leading Change - MAN00022H

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  • Department: The York Management School
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: H
  • Academic year of delivery: 2024-25

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 2 2024-25

Module aims

This module aims to provide undergraduate students with a critical introduction to theories of change as they are presented in management areas such as organisation behaviour, strategy and operations. Change is integral to both the theory and practice of management but is rarely deconstructed as a concept. Functionalist theories of change tend to ignore paradoxes in organisations, and that time, space and individuals vary, and that continuity is an accomplishment in itself. They assume that change usually improves an organisation, whereas a more critical perspective will recognise that change leads to no improvement and indeed can cause damage.

Module learning outcomes

  • To develop a comprehensive understanding of contemporary, critical change management theory and debates.

  • To understand the implications of theoretical debates and critical approaches at different levels (society, organisations, groups, individuals), and for contemporary management practice.

  • To develop students’ abilities to apply theoretical arguments to an understanding of real-world practice and organisational change, reflecting upon both empirical research and personal experience.

  • To encourage critical and reflexive thinking, such that students can challenge their own assumptions regarding change and how it can and should be managed

  • To develop the ability to locate theoretical arguments, debate and practice within wider historical, socio-political & economic contexts in which they occur.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Groupwork 30

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 70
Oral presentation/seminar/exam 30

Module feedback

Feedback will be given in accordance with the University Policy on feedback in the Guide to Assessment as well as in line with the School policy.

Indicative reading

Possible texts (highly indicative only)

Hughes, M. (2010). Managing Change: A Critical Perspective. London: CIPD.

Baxter. L. F. (2008) Managing Performance Improvement, New York: Routledge.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.