Kurt Lewin and the process of change
3-step model
step 2: "Implement change": It might slow and chaotic in the beginning but it is an investment for the company to work better in the future.
step 3: "Refreezing" after the change, it is important to stick with the new organization and to resist to the employees temptations to return to old habits.
step 1: "Unfreezing" getting people to gain perspective on their day-to-day activities, unlearn their bad habits, and open up to new ways of reaching their objectives
field theory
group dynamics
action research
group behaviour is a set of interactions and forces that not only affect group structures, but also modify individual behaviour. Therefore, any changes stem fromforces within the field.
This field is a continuous state of adaptation in which behavioral change is a slow process. however, under certain circumstances, such as societal crisis, change can be faster due to the extreme necesity
the field is defined as "a totality of coexisting facts which are conceived of as mutually interdependent". 2 differents forces are opposed: the driving and the restraining forces.
Individuals are constrained by group pressures to conform. It is really difficult to change individuals behavior because they are used to certains habits.
understanding the internal dynamics of
a group is not sufficient by itself to bring about change. It helps to have commited members accepting the change to influence others.
The process of change should focus on the group as a whole rather than on individuals. Such as group norms, roles, interactions and socialization processes.
it recognizes that successful action is based on analysing the situation correctly, identifying all the possible alternative solutions and choosing the one most appropriate to the situation at hand
There has to be a felt need in the group or organization in order to facilitate the change process.
it emphasizes that change requires action, and is directed at achieving this
resolving social conflict
Change the behaviour of social groups through action research and 3-step model
only by strengthening democratic participation in all aspects of life could the scourge of despotism, authoritarianism and racism be effectively countered
analyse and understand how social groupings were formed, motivated and maintained through field theory and group dynamics
New vision on change
Western organizations are losing their competitive edge because they are too bureaucratic, inflexible, and slow to change.
Instead of the traditional top-down organization, a more flat cooperation within the company will make change easier and more in adequation with the culture of the company
organizations need to reconfigure themselves to build internal and external synergies between different departments.