Planned Change and How to Manage It

Change is inevitable for organizations, and mastering the skill of planning for change is critical for attaining new goals. This article examines planned change, its significance for organizations, and the three well-established models of planned change, namely Kurt Lewin's three-step model, the action research model, and the positive model. Kurt Lewin's change model involves unfreezing the forces that keep an organization the way it is, moving towards a new direction, and refreezing towards a new state of equilibrium. The action research model involves data gathering and diagnosis, collaborative action planning, and iteration of the research and action cycle. Finally, the positive model navigates the organization towards new heights by promoting positive expectations, appreciative inquiry, and shared vision. Although planned change models have some limitations, businesses and experts need to consider the variables and tools to ensure success.