The use of storytelling by leaders to help employees transition through a changing environment

Abstract

Objectives The principal objective of this research is to determine what experiences people have with storytelling during times of change. This will allow for understanding the applicability of storytelling being used as a communication tool for leaders in international business where change is dealt with.

Summary This research explores the mechanisms of storytelling when combating the negative impacts of changing environments. The qualitative research was gathered to identify concepts of both change and storytelling. Additionally, theories were explored related to how individuals think in narratives, how individuals are transported into stories and its following impacts. These experiences of storytelling were explored through primary data, in the form of interviews, comparing both storyteller leaders and story listener employees.

Conclusions Storytelling as a communication tool is considered useful in helping employees with the found negatives impacts of change. Connection was found to be a key element of storytelling. Storytelling was found to be effective due to its ability to make a connection with listeners, which in return also formed a connection between the storyteller and story listener. No drastic difference was found between how leaders perceived their stories compared to how employees received the stories.