Key Assumptions of the Core Group Theory
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NEW Kleiner says that the Core Group Theory (CGT) holds for both for-profit organizations and non-profit organizations. The theory helps to clarify certain behavior that has not been explained by other organizational theories yet.
However, for the Core Group Theory to hold, 3 important key assumptions are needed according to Kleiner.
1. The first assumption holds that organizations are not just moving towards directions the hierarchy top commands them to go. Rather,
organizations move to points where decision-makers ask them to go. In other words, decision makers are the human embodiment an organization.
2.
Employees in organizations want to satisfy the needs and wants of the key decision makers, the Core Group. Everything happening in an organizations takes place with an awareness of the expertise and power of the Core Group, and that their attitude towards our own job is crucial.
3.
The only way to be able to change an organization is by understanding the needs and wants of the Core Group and by the ability to influence their perceptions. The Core Group represents the ideas, characteristics and beliefs of the organization; one need to explore the beliefs and standpoints of the Core Group. Change can only be realized by finding out which beliefs of the Core Group are open to change, how these beliefs can be modified and by whom they can be adjusted.
Source: Kleiner, A.(2003)."Core Groups: A Theory of Power and Influence for "Learning" Organizations". Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 16 Iss: 6 pp. 666 - 683
