Unfreezing, Moving, Refreezing

Description of Unfreezing, Moving, Refreezing. Explanation.

Definition Unfreezing, Moving, Refreezing. Description.

How and under what circumstances do organizations change? The Unfreezing, Moving, Refreezing model is an early three-stage approach for change that was proposed by German-born American psychologist Kurt Lewin (1951) to overcome inertia and dismantle existing beliefs, values and norms. The model mentioned three key stages in changing an organization:

1. Unfreezing Stage. Show the need for change, and open the minds of people for the change. Overcome inertia, dismantle the existing "mind set", and bypass defense mechanisms.

2. Moving Stage. This is where the actual change occurs. In a period of confusion, people are encouraged to accept new ideas and new ways of working.

3. Refreezing Stage. The process of crystallizing the new ideas and ways of working in the minds of the employees and managers.

The three step model by Lewin emphasizes that people can only be changed once established ways of thinking and working have melted and have become fluid.

Compare with: Force Field Analysis  |  Appreciative Inquiry  |  Change Approaches  |  Change Equation  |  Change Phases  |  Growth Phases  |  Changing Organization Cultures  |  Culture Types  |  Dimensions of Change  |  Forget Borrow Learn  |  Kaizen  |  Theory of Constraints

Return to Management Hub: Change & Organization  |  Human Resources  |  Program & Project Management

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End of description Unfreezing, Moving, Refreezing. An explanation.