Theories of Planned Change

• Lewin’s Change Model

• Action Research Model
• The Positive Model
Kurt Lewin’s Change Model
Kurt Lewin’s Change Model
Unfreezing. This step usually involves reducing those forces maintaining the
organization’s behavior at its present level. By introducing information that shows
discrepancies between behaviors desired by organization members and those
behaviors currently exhibited, members can be motivated to engage in change
activities
Moving. This step shifts the behavior of the organization, department, or individual
to a new level. It involves intervening in the system to develop new behaviors,
values, and attitudes through changes in organizational structures and processes.
Refreezing. This step stabilizes the organization at a new state of equilibrium. It is
frequently accomplished through the use of supporting mechanisms that reinforce
the new organizational state, such as organizational culture, rewards, and
structures.
Action Research Model
• Problem identification
• Consultation with a behavioral science expert
• Data gathering and preliminary diagnosis
• Feedback to a key client or group
• Joint diagnosis of the problem
• Joint action planning.
• Action
• Data Gathering after Action
Action Research Model
The Positive Model
• The positive model focuses on what the organization is doing right.
• It helps members understand their organization when it is working at
its best and builds off those capabilities to achieve even better results.
The Positive Model
• Initiate the inquiry
• Inquire into best practices
• Discover the themes
• Envision a preferred future
• Design and deliver ways to create the future.