Lewin’s Change Model – 3 Stages, Benefits, Examples, and Criticisms

What is Kurt Lewin’s Change Model?

Lewin’s Change Model, developed by Kurt Lewin in the 1950s, is a three-stage framework for comprehending and implementing organizational change. The model consists of Unfreeze, Change (Transition), and Freeze (Refreeze) stages.

Unfreeze involves preparing individuals for change by creating awareness and motivation. Change is the actual implementation phase, requiring careful planning, communication, and overcoming resistance. Refreeze stabilizes the organization in a new state, encouraging the acceptance of changes as the norm.

Illustrated by Carlos Ghosn’s turnaround at Nissan, the model emphasizes effective communication and positive reinforcement. However, critics note its simplicity and mechanistic nature, suggesting it may not fully address radical changes in today’s dynamic business environment.

The Force Field Analysis, a complementary tool, identifies driving and restraining forces in organizational change. While praised for its simplicity, the model’s focus on change, not people, and limited adaptability to compromises are areas of criticism.

3 Stages of Change in Lewin’s Model

As mentioned above, let’s understand deeply the three stages of change in Lewin’s Model.

Unfreeze

In the Unfreeze stage, the organization acknowledges the need for change and endeavors to break down existing mindsets. This is a critical phase where leaders must create awareness and cultivate a readiness for change among individuals within the organization.

The objective is to shift individuals from their current comfort zones to a state of receptivity to new ideas and ways of operating. Effective communication plays a pivotal role during Unfreeze, helping build understanding and support for the impending changes.

To implement Unfreeze effectively, leaders should employ motivational strategies. Clearly articulating the reasons for change, addressing concerns, and establishing a sense of urgency are key components.

Incentives, positive reinforcement, and transparent communication are instrumental in gaining the commitment of individuals, mitigating resistance, and preparing the ground for the subsequent stages.

Change (Transition)

The Change stage involves the actual implementation of planned alterations. Individuals experience a process of ‘unfreezing,’ disrupting the existing state and introducing the desired changes. This phase requires meticulous planning, effective communication, and active involvement of individuals to endorse and embrace the proposed changes.

However, it is not uncommon for resistance to emerge during this stage, often fueled by uncertainties or fears associated with the consequences of adopting the change.

To navigate the Change stage successfully, leaders must emphasize careful planning and continuous communication. Involving employees in the change process, addressing uncertainties, and fostering a supportive environment are crucial. Training initiatives, stress management, and negotiation techniques may be employed to manage resistance and facilitate a smoother transition.

Freeze (Refreeze)

The Freeze or Refreeze stage focuses on stabilizing the organization in its transformed state. Individuals move from the transitional stage to a more stable state, internalizing the new ways of working. Refreezing involves reinforcing and rewarding the newly adopted behaviors, making the change an integral and permanent part of the organizational culture.

Recognition and rewards become paramount to effectively implementing the freeze stage. Positive reinforcement plays a key role in embedding the desired behaviors. Establishing support structures, policies, and practices that align with the changes further solidifies the transformed ways of working, ensuring they become ingrained in the organization’s structure.

Read More: Organizational Development

Benefits of Lewin’s Change Model

Due to the following reasons, Lewin’s change model is appreciated in the workplace setting.

Simplicity and Clarity

One of the foremost advantages of Lewin’s Change Model is its simplicity and clarity. The three-stage structure—Unfreeze, Change, and Freeze—provides a straightforward and easily understandable framework for both leaders and employees involved in the change process.

The simplicity of the model enhances comprehension, making it accessible to a wide range of stakeholders. This clarity aids in aligning everyone towards a common understanding of the change journey.

Logical Progression

The model follows a logical progression, guiding organizations through a systematic sequence of stages. Each stage builds upon the previous one, ensuring a methodical approach to change management.

The logical flow of the model helps leaders and employees make sense of the transformation process. It assists in creating a roadmap that is easy to follow, reducing ambiguity and enhancing the likelihood of successful implementation.

Ease of Application

Lewin’s model is known for its practicality and ease of application. The stages provide a structured guide that organizations can adapt to their specific contexts and requirements.

The ease of application facilitates quick adoption by organizations of varying sizes and industries. This adaptability ensures that the model remains relevant and applicable in diverse change scenarios.

Read More: 10 Challenges To Organizational Change and Development

Proactive Preparation (Unfreeze)

The Unfreeze stage emphasizes proactive preparation by creating awareness and readiness for change. Leaders focus on breaking down resistance and fostering a mindset conducive to transformation.

Proactively addressing the need for change enhances the organization’s ability to navigate challenges and minimizes resistance. It sets the stage for a smoother transition during the subsequent stages.

Focused Implementation (Change)

The Change stage directs attention to the actual implementation of planned activities. It involves careful planning, effective communication, and active involvement to ensure the successful integration of new ways of working.

The focused implementation phase ensures that the organization remains on track and that individuals are actively participating in the change process. It helps manage uncertainties and mitigates potential disruptions.

Sustainable Integration (Freeze)

The Freeze or Refreeze stage concentrates on stabilizing the organization in its transformed state. It involves reinforcing and rewarding the newly adopted behaviors, making the change a permanent part of the organizational culture.

Read More: What is Deming Management?

Criticisms of the Change Model of Lewin’s

While the change model of Lewin’s has its significance for various reasons, it has also been criticized due to the following reasons:

Over-Simplicity

One major criticism of Lewin’s Change Model is its perceived over-simplicity. Critics argue that the three-stage structure—Unfreeze, Change, and Freeze—fails to capture the complexity of modern organizational dynamics, especially in turbulent and rapidly evolving environments.

Limited Emphasis on People

The model has been criticized for prioritizing the change process over the human aspect. Critics argue that it overlooks the emotional and psychological dimensions of individuals changing, neglecting the importance of addressing feelings, experiences, and power dynamics.

Inadequate for Radical Change

Another criticism is that Lewin’s model is better suited for incremental changes and struggles to address radical or transformational shifts. It may not provide sufficient guidance in scenarios where a fundamental overhaul of organizational structures and cultures is required.

Top-Down Orientation

The model is accused of favoring a top-down approach to change management, potentially sidelining valuable contributions from the bottom levels of the organizational hierarchy. Critics argue that a more inclusive, bottom-up approach is essential for successful change initiatives.

Neglect of Power and Politics

Lewin’s model has been faulted for overlooking the role of power dynamics and politics within organizations. Critics contend that understanding and addressing power structures is crucial for navigating resistance and fostering genuine collaboration during change.

Read More: The 5 Key Values of Organizational Development

Static Assumptions

The model’s foundational assumption of organizations moving from one state of stability to another is criticized for being static. In today’s dynamic business environments, characterized by constant flux, this assumption may not fully capture the reality of organizational change.

While Lewin’s Change Model offers a structured approach, these criticisms highlight its limitations, urging organizations to complement it with additional strategies and considerations for more subtle and effective change management.

Examples of Lewin’s Change Model

Now, let’s explore the examples of Lewin’s change model and how it looks in real-world scenarios:

Nissan Motor Company Turnaround

• Unfreeze: In the early 2000s, Nissan faced bankruptcy. Carlos Ghosn, the new CEO, initiated the change process by forming cross-functional teams and creating awareness of the need for change.
• Change: Ghosn implemented radical changes in various functional areas, involving employees through effective communication and reinforcement strategies.
• Refreeze: To anchor the changes, performance-based pay and an open feedback system were introduced, solidifying the new behaviors and establishing stability.

Digital Transformation in a Tech Company

• Unfreeze: Recognizing the need for digital transformation, a technology company communicated the challenges and opportunities to employees, emphasizing the necessity of change.
• Change: The organization implemented new technologies, workflows, and skill development programs, involving employees in the process.
• Refreeze: To embed the changes, the company introduced recognition programs, feedback mechanisms, and ongoing training to create a new digital-ready culture.

Healthcare System Process Improvement

• Unfreeze: A healthcare system identifies inefficiencies in its processes, communicates the urgency for improvement, and engages stakeholders in understanding the benefits.
• Change: Streamlined processes, updated technologies, and training initiatives were implemented to address identified issues and enhance overall efficiency.
• Refreeze: The organization reinforced the changes by recognizing and rewarding staff contributions, ensuring the integration of improved processes into the daily workflow.

Retail Chain’s Customer Experience Overhaul

• Unfreeze: A retail chain aiming to enhance customer experience communicated the need for change, highlighting shifting market trends and customer expectations.
• Change: The company implemented changes in store layouts, employee training, and customer engagement strategies, actively involving staff in the transformation.
• Refreeze: To solidify the new customer-centric approach, the retail chain introduced incentive programs, continuous training, and feedback loops, fostering a culture centered on improved customer satisfaction.

These real-world examples illustrate how organizations have applied Lewin’s Change Model to navigate challenges, engage stakeholders, and successfully implement and anchor transformative changes.

Read Next: What is Resistance To Change?