The Archetypes of Change Surveys are based on 25 years of research in organizations and were developed by Dr. Judi Neal and Dr. Linda Hoopes. These surveys are based on the realization that people have different worldviews, or  orientations toward the change, and that these orientations have major implications for communications, planning, innovation, risk-taking, and openness to change. The Archetypes of Change Surveys have two forms– (1) The Individual Archetypes of Change Survey, and (2) The Organizational Archetypes of Change Survey. Both of these measure the Five Archetypes of Change: Edgewalkers, Flamekeepers, Hearthtenders, Placeholders, and Guardians. They are valid and reliable instruments which have been used in a number of different settings.

The Individual Archetypes are not personality types, and a person’s archetype can vary depending on the context. One may view the world through a particular archetype at work and view the world through another archetype in one’s faith or spiritual community, and yet another in family life. It is useful to have an understanding of which of the five archetypes is your natural orientation. This enables a better understanding of yourself, and of someone who may see the world in a very different way. Each of the Archetypes of Change has strengths to offer an organization, and each of them also has a shadow side. The customized report details these strengths and shadow sides for each participant, providing guidance on developmental opportunities.

This form of the survey provides each employee with a customized report on the five Archetypes of Change from a personal perspective. An aggregated organizational report is also available.