55: Group Dynamics and Foundations of Organizational Change – Kurt Lewin (Part 2)
Jun 12, 2019
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Renowned guest Kurt Lewin discusses the three phases of organizational change: unfreezing, moving, and freezing in this podcast. The discussion also explores the pitfalls of blindly applying Lewin's change model, the power of group dynamics, advancements in measuring organizational dynamics, and the importance of involving groups in organizational change.
Lewin's three-step change model has become popular in change management literature, but its simplicity and context-free nature may oversimplify the complexity of managing change.
Lewin's original article offers valuable insights on cultural change, resistance, and group dynamics that are often overlooked due to the overshadowing popularity of his three-step model.
Deep dives
Legacy of Kurt Lewin's Three-Step Change Model
Kurt Lewin's three-step or three-phase process of unfreezing, moving, and re-freezing has become a popular framework in the change management literature. Many change management books reference Lewin directly, but some question the accuracy and simplicity of his model. The appeal of the unfreeze-move-freeze model lies in its context-free nature, allowing it to be easily applied to different situations. However, it is important to note that change management is a complex process, and the context plays a significant role. Misusing or over-relying on this simple model can lead to disappointing results and resistance to change.
Understanding Kurt Lewin's Original Ideas
While Lewin's three-step change model is well-known, it is worth revisiting his original article to appreciate the depth and complexity of his ideas. The article offers valuable insights on various topics, such as cultural change, resistance to change, breaking habits, and the role of group dynamics in change management. However, these important insights are often overshadowed by the simplicity of the three-step model. Exploring the full range of Lewin's work can provide a more nuanced understanding of change processes and help develop more effective change strategies.
Cautions and Oversimplifications in Change Management Literature
The uncritical adoption and misuse of Lewin's three-step change model have led to oversimplifications in change management literature. Many change management guides treat the model as a panacea, offering a clear-cut step-by-step approach to change. However, managing change is not that simple. It requires a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between individuals, groups, and the organizational context. Lewin's ideas should be seen as heuristics that prompt critical thinking and consideration of the unique complexities of each change effort.
Revisiting Kurt Lewin for Fresh Insights
Despite being primarily associated with the three-step change model, Lewin's original article offers many valuable insights that are often overlooked. Exploring his work on topics like routines, cultural change, and the role of groups in change can inform contemporary research and practice. Moreover, the advancements in technology and communication tools provide new opportunities to apply and test Lewin's ideas. Going beyond the simplistic use of the three-step model can lead to more effective and nuanced approaches to change management.
Join us, and Prof. Stephen Cummings, for Part 2 of this discussion on Lewin's classic article. Many working in the change management arena–scholars and practitioners alike–have likely heard of Kurt Lewin’s three main phases of organizational change: (1) unfreezing, (2) moving, and (3) freezing (also commonly referred to as re-freezing). And indeed, Kurt Lewin presented those phases in his 1947 article “Frontiers in group dynamics: Concept, method and reality in social science; social equilibria and social change.” But as explained by our special guest Stephen Cummings from the University of Wellington, New Zealand, this three-phased approach was not actually an important finding or outcome of the article. Without offering any empirical support or developing much detail into the phases, Lewin was simply offering ideas for further exploration. Yet these phases have been adapted into numerous change management models available in business literature.
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