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Sense and sensibility: How CEOs construct meaning through symbols in organizational change

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  • Wang, Yu
  • Lv, David Diwei
  • Wong, Christina W. Y.

Abstract

This paper investigates the rational and emotional functions of symbols in organizational change and how collective sensemaking and acceptance of organizational changes are facilitated by the emotional functioning of executive symbolism. Evidence from archived data, news reports, reviews, and case studies are used to support our theoretical analysis. Our opinion is that the CEO can incorporate symbols into not only the rational calculation process to convey the benefits and losses of organizational changes but also the emotional identification process to create new emotional connections and reduce the resistance of the members to organizational changes. We describe why and when the implementation of symbolism will gain the acceptance of members toward organizational change and explain the scenarios that apply for the two functions.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Yu & Lv, David Diwei & Wong, Christina W. Y., 2025. "Sense and sensibility: How CEOs construct meaning through symbols in organizational change," Journal of Management & Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 31(3), pages 1301-1315, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:cup:jomorg:v:31:y:2025:i:3:p:1301-1315_17
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