Fundamentals of Management, 8th ed

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.

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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.