Abstract

This article describes how a collective action plan for anticipating changes in small- and mid-size businesses (SMBs) was worked out and implemented. With the aim of exploring the characteristics and feasibility of following up on both the business and its employees as they cope with changes, this experimental plan, conducted in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region, enrolled a plurality of stakeholders in detecting and following up on independent SMBs in the throes of change, and analyzing reflexively the interventions made and the difficulties encountered for the purpose of building a model and transferring this experiment to others. The dynamics are analyzed that turned this intervention — from the underlying theory of action till the activation of a space of collective action — into a group learning experience. The results shed light on the future of these businesses and list the conditions for successful adaptation.