How to Change the Informal Side? A Comparative Analysis of Organizational Culture Transformation Models

Although organizational culture plays an important role in the life and success of organizations, the fact that it remains an informal and unconscious aspect of organizational life usually hinders, in practice, any attempt to reform or revitalize it despite the best interest and attempts of leadership. However, the transformation of the formal side of organizations will yield few results if nothing happens on the informal (cultural) side; more often than not, formal changes must be not only accompanied but rather preceded by informal changes in order to maximize the outcomes.The reform or improvement of organizational culture is achieved by reshaping the myths, traditions, values and fundamental ideas shared by the members of an organization, with the ultimate goal of creating a new identity for the organization and its members. By critically reviewing the existent models or organizational culture transformation, this research will highlight not only the mechanisms by which change can be achieved, but also: (1) the type of leadership required to reshape organizations; (2) facilitating and reactive factors; (3) the connection between the development stage of an organization and the transformation means employed and (4) the key factors that can ensure the success of organizational and cultural change