Models of Change Management
If we recognize the need for change and the circumstances under which it must occur, we can look to the methods of change. Organizational researchers offer models for change management. Read this article to study several models for change management, such as Lewin's Three-Step model, Kotter's Eight-Step Plan, Nadler's System Model, and Action Research.
Kotter's Eight Step Plan for Implementing Change
John Kotter, whom we studied earlier when we talked about the difference between managers and leaders, embellished Lewin's three step model into a more detailed eight step model.
Kotter studied all of the places where failures could occur in Lewin's model. Kotter recognized that several things needed to be added in:
- a sense of urgency around change
- a coalition for managing the change
- a communicated vision for the change
- the removal of obstacles to accomplishing change
- the continued pursuit of change in spite of apparent victory
- an anchoring of the changes into the organization's culture
His revised eight steps of change are as follows:
Kotter expanded Lewin's "unfreezing" step with his first four recommendations. His steps five, six, and seven correspond with Lewin's "movement" stage and step eight is parallel with the "refreezing" process.