ABSTRACT

Despite the intractable problems of socio-cultural inertia and economic deprivation, recent evidence of economic transformation in some countries of Africa suggest that change, the act or instance of making or becoming different, in Africa is characterized by two dialectics: static and dynamic processes, and discrete and interlinked forces. The dynamics are underneath but sometimes surge up, while the static processes sometimes submerge. A model of change in Africa has to depict these characteristics and their influence on change targets – individuals, organizations, and countries. Thus, we present a model of change termed a murmuration model, a composite of factors working together in an ever-changing pattern with a cooperative generative mechanism. It is consistent with the unique contours of Africa – boom-burst-boom-burst cycles. Even though it is similar to complex systems models of change, the model we present differs from the familiar ones in the literature – teleological, dialectical, rhizomic, etc. Exogenous and endogenous factors either unilaterally or multilaterally affect macro processes which spill over to the micro level to influence change in individuals, organizations, and nations. After identifying the dimensions, forms, and outcomes of the model, we discuss its process and drivers, and conclude with implications for management research and practice.