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Keywords Organizational change, Technological change, Response flexibility
Abstract This paper provides an overview of the current body of knowledge surrounding the human response to change and transition Models of the change process, as perceived by diverse and seemingly unrelated disciplines, are identified, compared, and contrasted by tracing the evolution of these models from seminal works through contemporary research. Surprisingly, a majority of the models studied were found to share two important characteristics: they follow Lewin's 1952 three-phase model of change; and they describe a degradation of capabilities in the intermediate stages of the change process. In a practical example, the authors explain their experimental verification of the change models' applicability to an organizational change involving the introduction of teams. The interrelationship of developmental and change models is discussed. Finally, the importance to leaders and managers of developing an understanding of the current state-of-the-art in human response to change and transition is discussed
Introduction
In today's work environment there are not many fundamental tenets that are both broadly accepted and impervious to the test of time. However, one such tenet is that change is pervasive - it is a constant and common element that impacts humankind individually and organizationally, day in and day out. This paper profiles the current body of knowledge surrounding the human response to change and transition. The diverse fields researched include organizational change, bereavement theory, and stress management, along with some relevant recent research conducted by the authors in the field of team building. The various change models that have evolved within these fields will be examined for common elements that, taken together, shed greater light on the process of managing change, and increase leaders' and managers' ability to cope with their constantly changing environment.
The impact of change on individuals - pioneering efforts and contemporary research
During the Second World War, leaders at many levels of society confronted a need to change American behavior. This was found to be a complex and little understood undertaking. Traditional patterns of thought and behavior, such as the role of women in the workplace, the consumption of red meat and sugar, and the rationing of gasoline, were challenged and modified. Observations noted during this period led to a great deal of post-war interest...