instigate change
/ˈɪnstɪɡeɪt tʃeɪndʒ/
Meaning
To 'instigate change' means to initiate, provoke, or bring about a significant transformation within an organization, system, or corporate culture. While 'instigate' can sometimes carry a negative connotation in daily English (e.g., to instigate trouble), in a professional business context, it is used neutrally or positively to describe proactive leadership and reform.
Examples
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The new CEO was hired specifically to instigate change across the stagnant departments.
The new CEO was hired specifically to instigate change across the stagnant departments.
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To stay competitive in the digital age, we must instigate change in our legacy supply chain systems.
To stay competitive in the digital age, we must instigate change in our legacy supply chain systems.
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Employees are often resistant when management attempts to instigate change too quickly.
Employees are often resistant when management attempts to instigate change too quickly.
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She managed to instigate change by presenting a clear, data-driven vision to the board.
She managed to instigate change by presenting a clear, data-driven vision to the board.
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Rather than waiting for a crisis, proactive leaders instigate change during times of stability.
Rather than waiting for a crisis, proactive leaders instigate change during times of stability.
Common Mistakes
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✗ He tried to instigate a change for the better performance.
✓ He tried to instigate change for better performance.
'Instigate change' is typically used as an uncountable abstract concept. Adding the indefinite article 'a' sounds unnatural unless describing a very specific, singular modification.
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✗ The consultant was hired to instigate changes on the company.
✓ The consultant was hired to instigate change in the company.
We instigate change 'in' or 'within' an organization or system, not 'on' it.
Related Expressions
Practice
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It takes a visionary leader to ___ within a highly bureaucratic organization.
💡 Initiate or bring about transformation.
Show answer
instigate change
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We need to ___ in our marketing strategy to reach a younger demographic.
💡 Bring about a transformation in our approach.
Show answer
instigate change