Lewin's Change Theory

According to Spector (2013) Lewin's field theory has three steps: 1) unfreezing; 2) Moving and; 3) refreezing. Unfreezing and refreezing serve as bookends to the process. Unfreezing requires members of the group to be unsatisfied with the status quo (Spector, 2013). In the case of Children's Hospital, the financial crisis and employee moral/satisfaction were at all-time lows which created the dissatisfaction with the status quo (Spector, 2013). Once a new status quo and new patterns of behavior have been implemented refreezing can occur (Spector, 2013). However, in order to get to refreezing, moving needs to occur which encourages members of the group to alter their behavior (Spector, 2013).

He theorized a three-stage model of change known as unfreezing-change-refreeze model that requires prior learning to be rejected and replaced. Lewin 's definition of behavior in this model is "a dynamic balance of forces working in opposing directions."

No matter how easy is may seem on the surface, the unfreezing, moving and refreezing stages of Lewin’s 3-Step model must be taken (Lewin, 1946). These stages are difficult and persistence by the organization in sticking to its objectives for growth and improvement must remain a top priority. In reality no matter how many positives a new idea is there will always be resistance when it is introduced. Change management is therefore central to the process of making the transition from the old system to the new and change management practices should be employed throughout the transition (ITIL,

Change is always difficult, whether it be good or bad, it is difficult so providing extra support and guidance throughout the process.

Lewin’s change theory involved applied behavioral science, action research and planned change each of which is necessary to examine during the implementation of change programs (Burnes & Cooke, 2012). Lewin’s field theory involves a number of concepts that can be used as a guide to help understand the forces that comprise group dynamics within their life space or environment. Lewin’s framework also explains the totality and complexity of people’s behavior within a social setting that can be modified to bring about successful change.

Lippitt’s Phases of Change is an extension of Lewin’s Three-Step Theory. The focus on Lippitt’s change theory is on the change agent rather than the change itself.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this article is to summarize several change theories and assumptions about the nature of change. The author shows how successful change can be encouraged and facilitated for long-term success. The article compares the characteristics of Lewin’s Three-Step Change Theory, Lippitt’s Phases of Change Theory, Prochaska and DiClemente’s Change Theory, Social Cognitive Theory, and the Theory of Reasoned Action and Planned Behavior to one another. Leading industry experts will need to continually review and

Creating and preventing organizational changes are some of the fundamental duties and goals of political parties. Pertaining to this CSDRE, organizational change, or rather lack thereof, is the process of the Republicans secretly removing the provision that was agreed upon earlier in May. How this action impacts the two political parties will be thoroughly investigated through identifying the organizational change and Lewin’s Three Step Model.

Lewin trusted that solidness of human conduct depended on semi stationary balance upheld by a mind boggling field of driving and controlling powers. He contended that harmony should be destabilized (unfrozen) before the old conduct can be disposed of (unlearnt) and another conduct effectively

According to Burnes, Kurt Lewin’s theory of change management has stayed relevant for over forty plus years, however as of recently, lewin’s approach was met with major scrutiny with critics often pointing out that change management theory applies to to work in situations where the work environment or project is small in nature and applies heavily on the fact that the organisation is stable and ignored instrumental politics in the business and furthermore was criticized for focusing too heaviliy on management driven tactics (Burnes, 2004). Burnes has specifically stated that the intention of the article is to reevaluate and to test the claims against the greater benefits that has been gained. It is very evident from the article that Burnes specifically talks about the social challenges that Lewin has faced and how that has in turn driven Lewin to create the Planned Approach to change and the elements of the change, which are Field Theory, Group Dynamics, Action Research and finally, the

In addition, Lewin recognized that change is almost always met with resistance. More importantly, he identified the behaviors and environments that stimulate resistance. Thus, careful consideration of behavioral and environmental impacts must occur in the Unfreezing stage of Lewin’s Unfreezing-Changing-Refreezing Model prior to implementing the change. This will prepare the leaders of the organization to meet the resistance with the correct leadership and management style.

The goal during the unfreezing stage is to create an awareness of how the status quo, or current level of acceptability, is hindering the organization in some way. The idea is that the more we know about a change and the more we feel that it is necessary and urgent, the more motivated we are to accept the change.

In order to survive and prosper in a rapid changing environment of business world, organization is often required to generate fast response to changes (French, Bell & Zawacki, 2005). Change management means to plan, initiate, realize, control, and finally stabilize change processes on both, corporate and personal level. Change may cover such diverse problems as for example strategic direction or personal development programs for staffs. In this

People often resist change based on fear of the unknown, fear of loss, fear of failure, disruption of interpersonal

An early model of progress created by Lewin portrayed change as a three-stage process. The primary stage he called "unfreezing". It included overcoming dormancy and disassembling the current "personality set". It must be some piece of surviving. Barrier systems must be circumventing. In the second stage the change happens. This is ordinarily a time of perplexity and move. We are mindful that the old ways are constantly tested yet we don 't have a reasonable picture with reference to what we are supplanting them with yet. The third and last stage he called "solidifying". The new attitude is solidifying and one 's solace level is coming back to past levels