These two books represent the first two generally published "learning histories" -- oral histories that let you look in on complex episodes of organizational learning and change, told from the perspectives of the people involved with them. The unique two-column format of these books allows you to read the story as if everyone involved were gathered together around a campfire; and then to ask questions that help you decide what you might do differently (or the same) in your own circumstances.
Both of these books were published by Oxford University Press. More volumes in the series will follow. The series is edited by George Roth and Art Kleiner on behalf of the "Learning History Research Project" at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
"Car Launch" is the story of a group of 200 engineers who thought they knew how to build a better car, and succeeded in changing the way that "things are always done around here..." but whose innovations came up against the unconscious resistance of the rest of the company.
Car Launch was published in 1999. It was written by George Roth, Art Kleiner, and three "AutoCo" internal consultants, with commentary by Peter Senge, Rosabeth Moss Kanter, and George Roth (taking the Chris Argyris perspective).
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"Oil Change " might well be the most comprehensive story of organizational change ever told. It depicts three years in the life of an American company, undergoing top-to-bottom transformation, involving the heads, hearts and minds of all 20,000+ employees. In the end, did the change initiative succeed? Or did it fail? That is for you to answer.
Oil Change was published in 2000. It was written by Art Kleiner, George Roth, Ann Thomas, Toni Gregory, and Edward Hamell, along with seven "OilCo" internal consultants, with commentary by Edgar Schein, Charles Handy, and Karl Weick.
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