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Kotter's 6 Steps in Change Management Essay Example

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Kotter's 6 Steps in Change Management Essay Example
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” Charles Darwin (1802-1882) English naturalist & author of the theory of evolution by natural selection

In this world, changes happen at an accelerating pace to individuals and organisations. The continual survival and success of organisations will depend on how adept their leaders are in recognising the need for change and to implement change within the organisation. Therefore organisational change refers to understanding the alterations within organisation at the broadest level among individuals, groups and at a collective level across the entire organisation.

Almost all people are nervous and resistant about change. Many will fear of the negative impact that will be brought about by change. How do leaders of organisations implement change within their organisations to ensure efficient delivery of the change and enthusiastic support for its results?

There are many theorists who developed change management. One of the earlier theorists is Kurt Lewin. Kurt Lewin emigrated from Germany to America. He is recognised as the "father of social psychology" that is why he is known for his interest in the human aspect of change. Kurt Lewin based his theory on 3 stage of change. They are ‘unfreeze’, ‘change’ and ‘freeze’. Although his theory is criticised as too simplistic however his 3 stage change model is still relevant in today’s world.

The unfreezing stage is one of the most important stages in this world of changes. What it means is simply to get ready before the change. Unfreeze and get motivated for the change is to weigh the pros and cons of the change. People are accustomed to the way things are, in order to initiate a change, there must be some form of positive motivation. ‘Force Field Analysis’ is therefore used to elaborate the unfreezing stage. ‘Driving Forces’ are

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