Towards the development of a model of business transformation: an empirical study

This paper explores the link between organisational change and transformation literature in an effort to understand how organisations should manage the business transformation process. Through a review of the relevant literature a definition of business transformation is proposed and used as a platform to explore existing models to guide the process. It shows that transformation models provide guidance on ‘what’ aspects of the organisation must be addressed in order to transform, but that the ‘how’ of transformation is found in change management literature. In an effort to synthesise these two bodies of knowledge the transformation story of Highland Spring Limited, the UK’s fastest growing natural spring water business, is presented. Conclusions are then made as to the validity of these models in providing guidance to organisations wishing to make the transformation journey and propositions for future work in this area are stated.