Strategic Drivers in Change Management: Recent Perspectives from the Literature

This literature review examines recent academic research (2018-2025) exploring strategic drivers in organizational change management, with particular emphasis on artificial intelligence as an emerging strategic imperative. Strategic drivers—including environmental pressures, competitive dynamics, technological disruptions, and market requirements—represent fundamental forces that initiate, shape, and sustain organizational transformation. The review synthesizes findings from systematic reviews, empirical studies, and conceptual frameworks, demonstrating that strategic drivers are essential elements determining change initiative success. Key themes include the multidimensional nature of strategic drivers, the importance of dynamic capabilities for environmental sensing and response, the need for participative change approaches, and the critical role of trust-building and ethical considerations in AI-driven transformation. AI emerges as a unique strategic driver creating systemic organizational effects that reshape structures, processes, cultures, and decision-making paradigms. Practical implications include developing environmental scanning capabilities, translating strategic imperatives into compelling narratives, engaging stakeholders in collective sensemaking, and implementing AI-focused change management that balances technological innovation with human-centered values. This review contributes to change management scholarship by providing integrated understanding of strategic drivers and their critical role in organizational transformation.