Change Management

Overview

Change management is a systematic approach to dealing with the transition or transformation of an organization's goals, processes or technologies. The objective of change management is to implement strategies for effecting change, controlling change and helping people to adapt to change. These strategies include a structured procedure and an organizational tools to manage the people side of the change to achieve the required business outcome.

History of Change Management

The concept of change management dates back to the early to mid-1900s, with the creation of Kurt Lewin's model of change. Lewin, a physicist as well as social scientist, explained organizational change using the analogy of changing the shape of a block of ice. He theorized that successful change in organizations should follow three steps: unfreezing the current behaviours, changing to a new behaviour, and refreezing that behaviour as the new norm.

Theories and Models of Change Management

There are several theories and models of change management. Some of the most widely recognized include:

Lewin's Change Management Model

Kurt Lewin's Change Management Model is one of the most popular and effective models used in change management. Lewin's model is based on the premise that all behavior is a dynamic balance of forces working in opposing directions.

Kotter's Change Management Theory

John Kotter's Change Management Theory is another widely accepted tool in the field of change management. Kotter, a Harvard Business School professor, introduced his eight-step change process in his 1995 book, "Leading Change".

ADKAR Model

The ADKAR Model is a goal-oriented change management model that allows change management teams to focus their activities on specific business results.

Change Management Process

The change management process is the sequence of steps or activities that a change management team or project leader would follow to apply change management to a project or change. The process can be divided into three stages: preparing for change, managing change, and reinforcing change.

Change Management Strategies

Change management strategies are critical for reducing resistance and achieving project objectives. The strategies can be divided into several categories, including communication strategies, training strategies, employee involvement strategies, and negotiation strategies.

Change Management Tools

Change management tools are any instruments, systems, or methodologies which are useful in the effective management of change within an organization. These tools can include software solutions, analytic tools, and decision-making models.

Change Management in Practice

Change management is applied in a systematic manner in many types of organizations, including business, government, and non-profit. The application of change management processes varies depending on the nature of the organization and the specific challenges it faces.