Transitions and Change Theory
Change Theory
Lewin's change theory is a "planned change" guide that consists of three distinct and vital stages; unfreezing, change, and refreezing.
Change
something that happens to people, even if they don't agree with it. Situational, and external to us. Happens quickly.
Driving Forces
the forces that influence a situation, pushing in a particular direction; they tend to initiate a change and keep it going.
Maintenance Stage
the period beginning 6 months after the action has started and continuing indefinitely.
Action Stage
the person has made a behaviour change, and it has persisted for 6 months.
Equilibrium
the status quo or the present level of productivity, and can be disrupted or fortified by changes in the relationship between the driving and restraining forces. Reached when the sum of the driving forces = the sum of the restraining forces. For change to happen, the equilibrium must be upset.
Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM)
useful for determining where a person is in relation to making a behaviour change. 5 stages; precontemplation, contemplation, planning, action, maintenance.
Change Stage
a process of change in thought, feelings, behaviour, or all 3, that is in some way more liberating/productive than the old method.
Unfreezing Stage
desire to change occurs, or at least the recognition that change is needed.
Refreezing Stage
establishing the change as a new habit or process, so that it becomes the standard.
Restraining Forces
forces that act to restrain or decrease the driving forces- they make it difficult to move change forward.
Transition
internal; what happens in people's minds as they go through change, personal adaptation. Occurs slowly.
Force Field Analysis
offers direction for diagnosing situations and managing change within organizations and communities. 3 components; driving forces, restraining forces, and equilibrium.
Precontemplation Stage
person is not intending to take action in the next 6 months
Planning Stage
person is seriously considering making a change in the next month.
Contemplation Stage
person is seriously considering making a specific behaviour change in the next 6 months.