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Larry E. Greiner: Actionable Knowledge in Action

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  • First Online:
The Palgrave Handbook of Organizational Change Thinkers

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Abstract

As a significant contributor to the field of organizational intervention and change, Larry E. Greiner was one of those unique individuals who personified a mixture of insight and intelligence with a fun-filled spirit, a warm and welcoming presence, and, in general, a guiding sense of commitment and generosity. Over the years, his work reflected the essence of actionable knowledge, taking an applied route to knowledge creation, generation, and dissemination. He had a compelling presence that literally drew people to him, bringing a smile to their faces while lending his insights and expertise to all those who entered his orbit. This chapter captures the influences and motivations that led him to the organization development (OD) field, his key contributions – the stages of evolution and revolution that organizations experience, the role and nature of management consulting and intervention, power and OD, and dynamic strategy – and how that work has influenced others. As close colleagues and friends, we were privileged to know and work with him, and his ideas, support, and presence have had a lasting effect on our lives.

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References

  • Buono, A. F. (2005). Consulting to integrate mergers and acquisitions. In L. E. Greiner & F. Poulfelt (Eds.), Handbook of management consulting: The contemporary consultant – Insights from world experts (pp. 229–249). Mason: Thomson South-Western.

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  • Greiner, L. E., & Metzger, R. O. (1983). Consulting to management: Insights to building and managing a successful practice. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall.

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Further Reading

  • Greiner, L. E., & Malernee, J. (2005). Managing growth stages in consulting firms. In L. E. Greiner & F. Poulfelt (Eds.), Handbook of management consulting: The contemporary consultant – Insights from world experts. Mason: Thomson South-Western.

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  • Greiner, L. E., & Poulfelt, F. (Eds.). (2005). Handbook of management consulting: The contemporary consultant – Insights from world experts. Mason: Thomson South-Western.

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  • Greiner, L. E., Olsson, T. H., & Poulfelt, F. (2005). The contemporary consultant casebook: Educating today’s consultants. Mason: Thomson South-Western.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Copenhagen Business School, Copenhagen, Denmark

    Flemming Poulfelt

  2. Department of Management, Bentley University, 175 Forest Street, 02452, Waltham, MA, USA

    Anthony F. Buono

Authors
  1. Flemming Poulfelt
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  2. Anthony F. Buono
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Flemming Poulfelt .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. College of Education and Human Development, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA

    David B. Szabla

  2. Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

    William A. Pasmore

  3. The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

    Mary A. Barnes

  4. Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

    Asha N. Gipson

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© 2017 The Author(s)

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Poulfelt, F., Buono, A.F. (2017). Larry E. Greiner: Actionable Knowledge in Action. In: Szabla, D.B., Pasmore, W.A., Barnes, M.A., Gipson, A.N. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Organizational Change Thinkers. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-52878-6_41

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