Transformation is radical, high impact change.

The difference between change and transformation lies in the scope, depth, and nature of the shift involved. Change typically refers to a smaller, more incremental shift that modifies something that already exists without altering its core structure or essence.

Transformation, on the other hand, is a larger-scale shift that involves a deep, significant change, often altering the essence or identity of something. It’s not just about doing something differently, but becoming something different.

The terms "change" and "transformation" are often used interchangeably but they describe different concepts, especially in the context of business and personal development.

Change refers to making something different from its current state. It is often seen as a response to specific situations and may be incremental or reactionary. Changes can be small or large, but they typically involve adjustments within existing paradigms, processes, or systems. For example, a company might change its marketing strategy, adjust its operating hours, or hire new staff. These changes are important for growth and adaptation but usually don't alter the fundamental essence of the entity involved.

Transformation, on the other hand, is about a thorough or dramatic change that fundamentally alters the nature or function of something. This is more radical and comprehensive, involving a fundamental shift in approach, identity, or core beliefs. Transformation often results from a profound realization or a need to completely revamp an existing structure. For example, a company undergoing digital transformation doesn't just update its technology but rethinks its business model, culture, and customer interactions to fundamentally shift how it operates in the digital economy.

In personal terms, change might involve adopting a new habit or altering a routine, while transformation might involve a significant shift in someone's worldview or identity, such as a career change or a major life decision that alters one's future direction profoundly.

Transformation is typically more disruptive and challenging than change but also offers opportunities for significant growth and new possibilities that simple changes cannot provide.

Only, if we refer to a broader perspective, the difference between change and transformation we can propose it . For example: in the evolutionary approach, change becomes a transformation when it changes species characteristics. In the system approach, transformation changes the relations between elements. In the dialectical approach - transformation is synthesis of oppositions. Thinking about the set theory, change is a broader concept than the concept of transformation, but the specific difference depends on the aforementioned broder approach.

Hi

Good questions. My review of an NTL Handbook and “The Technology Fallacy” give an idea. Also, some tech related books I’ve read recently have surprising spent a good deal of space addressing these matters. See my reviews and search within the books for additional perspective (also references mentioned within those pieces):

Jones and Brazzell’s “The NTL Handbook on Organization Development and Change”

https://www.amazon.com/review/RFHEE415DS6MD/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8

Kane et al’s “The Technology Fallacy”

https://www.amazon.com/review/R3G3TUZ2Z04SPK/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8

Volker Lang’s “Digital Fluency”

https://www.amazon.com/review/R2WKVY0WXLPPB6/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8

Ulrika Jägare’s “Data Science Strategy for Dummies”

https://www.amazon.com/review/R3L0XXW8QJ6E0C/ref=cm_cr_srp_d_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8

Hope these titles help.

Best,

Fred

The difference between change and transformation lies in their depth and scope:

- Change is incremental and focuses on modifying existing processes, structures, or behaviors. It often involves improvements or adjustments without fundamentally altering the system. Example: Upgrading hospital software to a newer version.

- Transformationis a deep, fundamental shift that reshapes the entire system, culture, or way of operating. It often requires a mindset shift and creates a new way of functioning.

Example: Moving from a paper-based hospital system to a fully digital, AI-driven healthcare model.

In short, change tweaks the existing system, while transformation redefines it.