Overview of Lewin’s Change Theory Assignment.

Overview of Lewin’s Change Theory Assignment.

One of the seminal studies and theories related to change management is Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory. Components of his work are identified in many other theories, so understanding this theory offers insight into the change management process.

In this assignment, provide a brief overview of Lewin’s Change Theory, including his rationale for creating this theory and the intended role this model addresses in change management. Overview of Lewin’s Change Theory Assignment.

Then discuss the three stages of change implementation and explain the importance of each stage. Be sure to use the terminology for each stage of Lewin’s Change Theory as outlined in the text.

Finally, Lewin’s Change Theory was created in the 1940s. Is the theory still applicable in today’s global economy? How would you modify/alter his theory to ensure that it remains relevant and applicable in Saudi Arabia? Discuss any changes to be made to his theory to reflect today’s business environment, both globally and in Saudi Arabia.

RODUCTION

  • Kurt Lewin (1890-1947) is considered as the father of social psychology
  • He was born in Germany, later emigrated to the US.
  • He is well known for his writings on group dynamics, group therapy and social psychology.
  • Kurt Lewin introduced his field theory concepts, emphasizing that the group differs from the simple sum of its parts.
  • Lewin coined the term group dynamics in 1939.
  • His field theory states that “one’s behavior is related both to one’s personal characteristics and to the social situation in which one finds oneself.”

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LEWIN”S CHANGE THEORY

  • His most influencial theory was his model of the change process in human systems.
  • Kurt Lewin theorized a three-stage model of change that is known as the unfreezing-change-refreeze model that requires prior learning to be rejected and replaced.
  • Lewin’s theory states behavior as “a dynamic balance of forces working in opposing directions. “Overview of Lewin’s Change Theory Assignment.

CONCEPTS

Driving forces

  • Driving forces are forces that push in a direction that causes change to occur.
  • Driving forces facilitate change because they push the person in the desired direction.
  • They cause a shift in the equilibrium towards change.

Restraining forces

  • Restraining forces are forces that counter driving forces.
  • Restraining forces hinder change because they push the person in the opposite direction.
  • Restraining forces cause a shift in the equilibrium which opposes change

Equilibrium

  • Equilibrium is a state of being where driving forces equal restraining forces and no change occurs
  • Equilibrium can be raised or lowered by changes that occur between the driving and restraining forces.

STAGES

Consists of  three distinct and vital stages:

1. “Unfreezing”

  • Unfreezing is the process which involves finding a method of making it possible for people to let go of an old pattern that was counterproductive in some way.

  • Unfreezing is necessary to overcome the strains of individual resistance and group conformity.

  • Unfreezing can be achieved by the use of three methods.
    • First, increase the driving forces that direct behavior away from the existing situation or status quo.
    • Second, decrease the restraining forces that negatively affect the movement from the existing equilibrium.
    • Third, find a combination of the two methods listed above.

2. “Moving to a new level or Changing” or Movement

  • This stage involves a process of change in thoughts, feeling, behavior, or all three, that is in some way more liberating or more productive.Overview of Lewin’s Change Theory Assignment.

3. “Refreezing”

  • Refreezing is establishing the change as a new habit, so that it now becomes the “standard operating procedure.”
  • Without this stage of refreezing, it is easy to go back to the old ways.

APPLICATION

  • It is pertinant that the driving and restraining forces must be analyzed before implimenting a planned change.

REFERENCES

  1. Kritsonis A. Comparison of Change Theories. International Journal of Scholarly Academic Intellectual Diversity; 8:1, 2004-2005.

Your well-written paper should meet the following requirements:

  • Be 4-5 pages in length, which does not include the title page and reference pages, which are never a part of the content minimum requirements.
  • Use Saudi Electronic University academic writing standards and APA style guidelines.
  • Support your submission with course material concepts, principles, and theories from the textbook and at least three scholarly, peer-reviewed journal articles.
  • It is strongly encouraged that you submit all assignments into the Turnitin Originality Check prior to submitting it to your instructor for grading. If you are unsure how to submit an assignment into the Originality Check tool, review the Turnitin Originality Check – Student Guide for step-by-step instructions.
  • Review the grading rubric to see how you will be graded for this  Overview of Lewin’s Change Theory Assignment.