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Self-Sustaining Practices of Successful Social Change Agents: A Retreats Framework for Supporting Transformational Change

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  • Erica L. Steckler

    (University of Massachusetts Lowell)

  • Sandra Waddock

    (Boston College)

Abstract

We advance a framework of three types of “retreats” – reflective, relational, and inspirational – that social change agents can use to sustain themselves through challenges inherent in their work. Retreats are defined as intentionally crafted spaces that provide opportunities for reflective practices, relational presence, and inspirational resources. The retreats framework is based on the experiences of a set of successful social entrepreneurs who have played a prominent role in establishing new organizations at the intersection of business in society. We bridge ideas of humanistic management, integral practice, and positive organizational scholarship to identify and detail the personal practices that enable social change agents to fortify themselves as they work toward establishing new institutions and successfully implementing impactful work over time. Findings from this study suggest that the ability for social change agents to sustain themselves is facilitated through the cultivation of retreats that enable these individuals to persevere through adversity in organizational settings, build resilience, advance personal well-being, contribute to humanity’s welfare, and achieve success in their transformational endeavors.

Suggested Citation

  • Erica L. Steckler & Sandra Waddock, 2018. "Self-Sustaining Practices of Successful Social Change Agents: A Retreats Framework for Supporting Transformational Change," Humanistic Management Journal, Springer, vol. 2(2), pages 171-198, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:humman:v:2:y:2018:i:2:d:10.1007_s41463-017-0031-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s41463-017-0031-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Michael Pirson & Mario Vázquez-Maguirre & Canan Corus & Erica Steckler & Andrew Wicks, 2019. "Dignity and the Process of Social Innovation: Lessons from Social Entrepreneurship and Transformative Services for Humanistic Management," Humanistic Management Journal, Springer, vol. 4(2), pages 125-153, December.
    2. Michael Pirson, 2018. "Reclaiming our Humanity- a Cornerstone for Better Management," Humanistic Management Journal, Springer, vol. 2(2), pages 103-107, February.

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