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Models for achieving change

There are many process models for achieving change which can be usefully applied to man‑

aging digital  business‑  related change. A classic model for achieving organisational change 

was suggested by Lewin and Schein. It involves three stages:

1 

Unfreeze the present position by creating a climate of change by education, training and 

motivation of future participants.

2 

Quickly move from the present position by developing and implementing the new 

system.

3 

Refreeze by making the system an accepted part of the way the organisation works.

Note that Lewin and Schein did not collaborate on developing this model of personal and 

organisational change. Kurt Lewin developed the model in unpublished work and this was 

then extended by Edgar Schein (1956) who undertook research into psychology based on 

Lewin’s ideas. More recently, Lewin (1972) summarised some of his ideas. Later, Schein 

(1992) concluded that three variables are critical to the success of any organisational change: