Organisational change literature is littered with labels for those who instigate, support, resist, or implement change. Absent is research into the perspectives of those who are given these labels. This paper reports findings from a literature search, journal scan and a case study of an Australian university where change agents were labelled ‘School Champions’. Data analysis of the authors suggests that labels do matter, not only to change agents, but also other academics who interacted with them such as Associate Deans. The authors found that, because a label implies an identity, when the choice of labels is unexamined, unintended consequences can result. These include ridicule, derision, and serious or light-hearted teasing, plus dismissive and cynical attitudes towards senior management’s endorsement of buzz words as labels. The authors suggest strategies to ensure that a label or identity badge suits academe, has minimal potential to cause emotional or professional harm, and is embraced rather than renounced.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	organisational change, labels, champion, change agents, buzz words
Research Division:	Education
Research Group:	Education systems
Research Field:	Higher education
Objective Division:	Education and Training
Objective Group:	Schools and learning environments
Objective Field:	Policies and development
UTAS Author:	Cordiner, M (Mrs Moira Cordiner)
UTAS Author:	Thomas, S (Dr Sharon Thomas)
UTAS Author:	Green, W (Dr Wendy Green)
ID Code:	109535
Year Published:	2016
Deposited By:	Education
Deposited On:	2016-06-21
Last Modified:	2018-08-23
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