Change Management

 

An effectively managed change will lead to a variety of benefits for organisations including

• Efficient use of resources
• Cost savings
• Change delivered within timescales
• An absence of unhappy, uncomfortable and anxious staff

There are many types of change and Ackerman (Development, Transition or transformation; the question of change in organisations (1997)) categorised change as one of three types:

1. Developmental change

This encompasses change that is either, planned, emergent (unplanned) or incremental (continual). It is usually change that will correct failings in existing procedures or enhance existing procedures. Continuous change often responds to the changes in the environment in which the organisation operates eg staff turnover

2. Transitional change

This is change where the organisation aims to achieve a set goal so this type of change is planned, episodic and radical. Episodic change is change that occurs infrequently, usually involves substituting an existing program or plan with a new one and is a change that is intended by it’s implementers or the organisation’s decision makers. Often it will not fit into existing or new strategy, in other words it is discontinuous.

3. Transformational Change

This will lead to an organisation that is very different to the organisation that existed prior to the change. As the change is very radical the organisation and it’s employees will need to radically change their views, strategy and assumptions. Such change can alter an organisation’s culture, ethos and systems.

Planned change

Planned change is based on the work of Kurt Lewin who developed the unfreeze-move-refreeze approach to change. It refers to the process of moving from one fixed state to another through a series of predictable pre-planned steps.

Frozen

Lewin believed that people are comfortable with their existing state of fairs and are frozen in that comfort.

Unfreezing

In order to move them towards change they need to be “unfrozen”, so that they are ready for change.

Transition

After unfreezing, Lewin said that they need to embark on a transition journey which results in change and people may need support through this transition period to ensure they complete the transition and make the change. Once a person has successfully made the transition to change they will need to refreeze.

Refreezing

Refreezing involves nesting, laying down roots and regaining the stability experienced prior to the change. Without refreezing the change will not last. Through refreezing the change will become a permanent part of the organisation.