What Continent Embraces the Language of Change Agents the Most?

At the beginning of the change agent project, I set up a series of "Google Alerts" around key words used in the news. Each day I am emailed a listing of articles that are generated by Google and feature the key words I am most interested in. For two years I have read the alert on "change agents" and it struck me over the weekend what continents most often embrace those words.

North America is clearly in the lead and uses the term ‘change agent’ in massive amounts of marketing material. This is not surprising as the term is geographially rooted here. What I did find surprising is how little Europe embraces the phrase. Occasionally, I come across a press release on the term, or a passing reference from a European company or institution, but European usage pales in comparison to useage within another continent - Africa.

Nearly 4-5 times a week, I receive alerts that highlight an African leader powerfully embracing the language of change agents. Here is a typical article. Ghana: MP Urges Women to Act As Agents of Change

I can’t explain why African countries use the term more than Europe, but I have a hypothesis. The African continent is one of the most complex and evolving regions on the planet; struggling to connect to globalization. African leaders who come to the United States to study business and globalization bring back with them the concept of change agents, and act within their countries as "agents of change."

I have never been to Africa, but I observe as the rest of the world does the many parts of that mysterious continent where poverty, war, and lack of leadership is the norm. Last night for example, 60 Minutes did an outstanding job taking America into the void that is Darfur within the Sudan.  Stories like this force you to ask: Where are the leaders, where is the accountability, where are the change agents? They all seem no where to be found.

It’s clear that simply embracing the phrase "change agents" across the continent of Africa is not enough. The words must correspond with massive action. But as Africa cries out to the rest of the world for help, keep in mind the areas where change agents are discussed. My guess is that those using the term are at least exploring new ways to help Africa reach a new set of outcomes and solutions.

My thanks to Google for making me think about this.