Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to conceptualize and operationalize paradoxes that are significant in the engineering change management (ECM) process. The following research question was stated: What are the paradoxes that influence the ECM process, and how can they be measured? Design/methodology/approach: The study is divided into two parts: conceptualization and operationalization. Conceptualization involved a literature review, which allowed for identifying initial categories of paradoxes that were later verified during in-depth personal interviews with the study participants. The subsequent operationalization involved developing a measurement tool which is a semantic differential scale that allows for assessing the perceived current and desired approach to solving paradoxes affecting ECM. The tool was revised based on in-depth personal interviews with participants of the ECM process. For the study, a manufacturing company which implemented a change management process was selected. Findings: Four general groups of paradoxes previously identified in the paradox theory literature (i.e. learning, belonging, performing, and organizing) were used to develop a list of paradoxes specific to the ECM process. In-depth interviews allowed to obtain data from experienced participants of the process, which was used to verify the preliminary list. The result of this verification was the list of 12 paradoxes that was included in the final measurement tool. Research limitations: Even though the study involved well-informed participants who are experienced in the ECM process, they represented a single company. Additionally, the proposed research tool may require further verification in subsequent studies. Practical implications: The knowledge regarding paradoxes specific to the ECM process and the created tool can be helpful for change administrators, project managers, and other stakeholders. They allow to define the areas of most significant tensions in the ECM process that require attention and effort. Originality/value: This paper's main value pertains to two different domains- cognitive and methodic. The undertaken attempt to include paradoxes and their significance in the analysis of the ECM process broadens the current understanding of process determinants. The proposed research tool, which is based on a well-grounded theoretical approach to paradoxes and adapted to fit the ECM process, can be used in further research.

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