BCG Identifies Behavioral Science as Key to Successful Business Transformations

Event summary

  • BCG publishes 'How Change Really Works', a book outlining seven science-based principles for successful organizational change.
  • The book highlights that over 70% of business transformations fail due to leaders' misunderstanding of human change patterns.
  • Authors introduce the concept of 'Change Distance' as a barrier between executives and employees.
  • The book provides a five-phase roadmap for implementing change: Deciding, Planning, Starting, Persisting, and Ending.
  • Published on May 19, 2026, by Harvard Business Review Press.

The big picture

BCG's new book underscores the critical role of behavioral science in organizational change, addressing a persistent challenge in corporate strategy. In an era of rapid technological and geopolitical shifts, the ability to manage change effectively is becoming a key differentiator for companies. The book's principles aim to bridge the gap between executive vision and employee adoption, potentially reshaping how transformations are approached across industries.

What we're watching

Adoption of Behavioral Science
How quickly consulting firms and corporations adopt behavioral science principles in their transformation strategies.
Change Management Effectiveness
Whether the outlined principles can significantly improve the success rate of business transformations.
Market Volatility Impact
The pace at which companies in volatile markets implement these change management practices.