Convenience

reactive change
A piecemeal
response to
circumstances as
they develop
Chapter 7:
Organization Change and Innovation
1 9 5
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Steps in the Change Process
Researchers have over the years developed a number of models or frameworks outlining
steps for change. The Lewin model was one of the first, although a more comprehensive
approach is usually more useful in today’s complex business environment.
The Lewin Model
Kurt Lewin, a noted organizational theorist, suggested that every
change requires three steps.
9
The first step is unfreezing—individuals who will be
affected by the impending change must be led to recognize why the change is neces-
sary. The second step is the
implementation
of the change itself. The third step is
refreezing, which involves reinforcing and supporting the change so that it becomes a
part of the system.
10
For example, one of the changes that Caterpillar faced in response
to the recession noted earlier involved a massive workforce reduction. The first step
(unfreezing) was convincing the United Auto Workers (UAW) to support the reduc-
tion because of its importance to long-term effectiveness. After this unfreezing was
accomplished, 30,000 jobs were eliminated (implementation). Then it worked to
improve its damaged relationship with its workers (refreezing) by guaranteeing future
pay hikes and promising no more cutbacks. As interesting as the Lewin model is, it
unfortunately lacks operational specificity. Thus, a more comprehensive perspective is
often needed.