change theory leadership 1

· His field theory states that

"one's behavior is related both to one's personal characteristics and to the social situation in which one finds oneself."

Kurt Lewin

(1890-1947) is considered as the father of social psychology · He was born in Germany, later emigrated to the US. · He is well known for his writings on group dynamics, group therapy, and social psychology. · Kurt Lewin introduced his field theory concepts, emphasizing that the group differs from the simple sum of its parts.

LEWIN"S CHANGE THEORY ·

His most influencial theory was his model of the change process in human systems. · Kurt Lewin theorized a three-stage model of change that is known as the unfreezing-change-refreeze model that requires prior learning to be rejected and replaced. · Lewin's theory states behavior as "a dynamic balance of forces working in opposing directions. "

Driving forces

· Driving forces are forces that push in a direction that causes a change to occur. · Driving forces facilitate change because they push the person in the desired direction. · They cause a shift in the equilibrium towards change.

Equilibrium

· Equilibrium is a state of being where driving forces equal restraining forces and no change occurs · Equilibrium can be raised or lowered by changes that occur between the driving and restraining forces.

APPLICATION

· It is pertinent that the driving and restraining forces must be analyzed before implementing a planned change

3. "Refreezing"

· Refreezing is establishing the change as a new habit so that it now becomes the "standard operating procedure." · Without this stage of refreezing, it is easy to go back to the old ways.

Restraining forces

· Restraining forces are forces that counter driving forces. · Restraining forces hinder change because they push the person in the opposite direction. · Restraining forces cause a shift in the equilibrium which opposes change

1. "Unfreezing"

· Unfreezing is the process which involves finding a method of making it possible for people to let go of an old pattern that was counterproductive in some way. · Unfreezing is necessary to overcome the strains of individual resistance and group conformity.

STAGES

Consists of three distinct and vital stages: Unfreezing changing or moving to a new level Refreezing

2. "Moving to a new level or Changing" or Movement ·

This stage involves a process of change in thoughts, feeling, behavior, or all three, that is in some way more liberating or more productive.

Lewin coined the term

group dynamics in 1939.

· Unfreezing can be achieved by the use of three methods.

o First, increase the driving forces that direct behavior away from the existing situation or status quo. o Second, decrease the restraining forces that negatively affect the movement from the existing equilibrium. o Third, find a combination of the two methods listed above. .