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Change Model (Beckhard)
Change Equation

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Summary

The Change Model (also: Change Formula, Change Equation) of Richard Beckhard and Reuben T. Harris (1987) is actually attributed by them to  David Gleicher. It is a simple yet powerful tool that gives you a quick, first impression of the possibilities and conditions to change an organization.


A milestone in Organizational Development

Beckhard Change Model Formula Equation

Historically, the Change Equation can be seen as a major milestone for the field of Organizational Development. Organization Development has expanded gradually over time, in response to the needs of employers. These employers not only want to move their organizations forward in terms of business objectives, but also in terms of employee engagement. Today's employers understand the connection between employee involvement and organizational success.
 

Employee involvement

The move to employee involvement in change, and the use of internal or external consultants to manage reactions to change, represents a shift in thinking from earlier management theory, such as Frederick Winslow Taylor's scientific management approach, which became known as Taylorism. This "command-and-control" approach drew a sharp line between managers and employees. The underlying philosophy was that "workers work, and managers think." Taylor's method was a reflection of the times, i.e., the industrial age with its factories unions, and assembly lines - environments that needed tight management control.

Taylor's view was eventually complemented (replaced) by the human relations movement, as organizational psychology and group dynamics evolved, paving the way for more worker involvement and benefits, and the theory of worker motivation.
 

Formula of the Change Equation

The Change Model Formula (Change Equation) is:


D  x  V  x  F  >  R

 

=

 

Dissatisfaction  x  Vision  x  First Steps  >  Resistance to Change


Three components of overcoming resistance

The Change Equation can help one understand that all three components must be present to overcome the resistance to change in an organization:

  • Dissatisfaction with the present situation,
  • Vision of what is possible in the future, and
  • Achievable first steps towards reaching this vision.

If any of the three is zero or near zero, the product will also be zero or near zero and the resistance to change will dominate.


Special Interest Group

Change Factors Special Interest Group.


Special Interest Group
Special Interest Group (63 members)

Forum


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Current forum discussions about Change Factors:

topic Alternate Systemic Change Equation
I propose an alternative model of formula of the success of systemic change as: Ssc = CML/PML > CR - (f C+Ews) Ssc = success of systemic change CML = change management leadership PML = project ...
Rating10
 
Comments4 comments
topic Crisis is Strong Dissatisfaction
One strong form of dissatisfaction is a corporate crisis....
Rating8
 
topic Adjusted Change Equation Model
I have always adapted this model as follows, which makes it more useful and clear: D x G x Ps x S > R, or: Dissatisfaction x Goal x Practical next steps x Support from management > Resistance to Cha...
Rating4
 
Comments1 comments
topic Newton's Laws Revisited
Newton's first law states: an item will not change motion without force. So without some first steps no change can happen. - The first steps are necessary to take one out of inertia. - Dissatisfacti...
Rating4
 
🔥 The Three A's of Change Management
Whatever the nature of change it always follows a three step process: Awareness ⇒ Acceptance ⇒ Action. Understanding this process helps us to manage change better for ourselves. Ev...
Rating3
 
Comments1 comments
topic Application of Change Equation
I am looking for ideas on how the change equation model can be applied in an organization of more than 500 employees. How does it work practically? Any comments or ideas welcome! Thanks......
Rating3
 
Comments3 comments
topic Isn't the Will to Change the Most Important Change Factor?
Is it true that there are several factors involved in change, but the WILL (to change) is the key?...
Rating3
 
Courses

Courses about Change Factors.


Beginners Course

Beginners Course

Advanced Course

Advanced Course

Course for Experts

Course for Experts

Expert Tips

Advanced insights about Change Factors. Here you will find professional advices by experts.


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Consultancy Tips

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Teaching Tips

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Practical Implementation Tips

Subject

Personal Networks of Successful Change Agents

Leading Major and Minor Change Initiatives
Organizational change is often difficult to achieve because it disturbs the hierarchical structures and the way to accom...
Subject

Leadership Strategies for Change

Initiate, implement, develop and sustain change
In response to the high rate of change failure, Ken Blanchard and his team have developed the Blanchard Leading Through ...
Subject

Add a C to the Change Equation for Confidence / Competence

Conditions to Change an Organization
I have added a C to the model for Confidence and/or perceived Competence. One needs to believe that the change is possib...
Information Sources

Various sources of information regarding Change Factors. Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops.


Presentation

The Nature and Complexity of Organizational Change

Change Management, Organizational Change
Presentation about organizational change. The presentation discusses and highlights the complexity and multi-dimensional...
Article

Effective Change Leadership and Management: Principles, Frameworks and Tools

Change Management, Change Leadership
Comprehensive presentation on leadership and management in a change context. 1. Introduction and Overview 2. What is t...
Presentation

Resistance to Change and Its Management

Change Management, Resistance to Change, Change Resistance
This presentation focuses on a specific dimension of change management, namely the management of resistance to change of...
Presentation

Dealing with Resistance to Change

Change Management, Resistance to Change
This presentation focuses on resistance to change and ways to overcome or prevent it. The presentation has good graphics...
Video

What is Change Management?

Initial Understanding of Change Management
In this video Elissa Farrow from About Your Transition explains the relatively new concept of Organizational Change Mana...
Video

Tips for Successful Change Management

Initial Understanding of How to Manage Change Successfully
Gavin Wedell explains that to change one's organization, one must change one's inner being. In today's world market con...
Presentation

Managing Organizational Change

Change Management, Leading Change, Organizational Development
This is a presentation about the ways to manage change. The presentation includes the following sections: 1. Introducti...
Video

Dealing with Strong Resisters

Dealing with Resistance to Change, Change Management, Training, Workshop
Dr. John Kotter gives remarkable advice on dealing with "No, No, People" (strong resisters in change initiatives). Acco...

Tools

Useful tools regarding Change Factors.


NWS

News

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Videos

PRS

Presentations

 
BKS

Books

ACA

Academic

WIK

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Compare with the Change Model Formula: DICE Framework  |  Forget Borrow Learn  |  Changing Organization Cultures  |  Appreciative Inquiry  |  Positive Deviance  |  RACI  |  Change Iceberg  |  Change Phases  |  Force Field Analysis  |  Planned Behavior  |  Business Process Reengineering  |  Kaizen  |  Dimensions of Change  |  Seven Habits


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


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