The rational philosophy: ‘changing plans’

Aaron C.T. Smith, James Skinner and Daniel Read

Chapter 3 in Philosophies of Organizational Change, 2026, pp 53-77 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: Chapter 3 introduces the most prominent approach to change, the rational philosophy. At the centre of the rational philosophy is the presumption that strategy—and strategic theories—should drive change initiatives. Sometimes referred to as a ‘strategic’ approach, the rational philosophy pursues an alignment between an organization's structure, its competencies and the environment. The rational philosophy assumes that organizational change occurs because senior managers and other change agents deem it necessary, navigated through linear thinking and performance by objectives, with managers at the helm. Approaches consistent with the rational philosophy give precedence to strategic decision making and careful planning around organizational goals. The chapter notes that the rational philosophy commands enormous popularity for leaders seeking to impose a new direction upon an organization. It concludes that the rational philosophy's concepts offer a useful, if too rigid, initial guide. Organizations are not always rational actors in the change process. The chapter discusses how developments in digital transformation and distributed leadership are reshaping rational models, enabling more adaptive, data-driven decision making across organizational levels. Agile and lean practices are increasingly integrated into rational frameworks, offering modular, iterative approaches that preserve strategic clarity while enhancing responsiveness.

Keywords: Rational; Strategy; Leadership; Goals; Structure; Agility; Digital Transformation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035372164
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