Lewins 3-Step Change Model

Business Exam

Step 1

The Step: Unfreeze

Meaning: Prepare employees for change by explaining why it is needed and getting them ready to move away from old ways of working.

Example: A business explains to employees why it needs to introduce a new computer system.

Step 2

The Step: Change

Meaning: Introduce the new way of doing things and help employees adjust through training and support.

Example: Employees receive training and begin using the new computer system.

Step 3:

The Step: Refreeze

Meaning: Make the change permanent by turning it into a normal part of the business’s daily operations.

Example: The new computer system becomes the standard system everyone uses.

Easy way to remember: Unfreeze = prepare, Change = do it, Refreeze = make it stick.

Benefits and Limitations of Lewin’s Change Model

Benefits:

• Easy to understand because it only has three steps.

• Helps employees prepare for and adjust to change.

• Makes changes more permanent by building them into daily routines.

Limitations:

• Can be too simple for large or complex businesses.

• Assumes change happens in clear stages, even though businesses are constantly changing.

• Employees may resist change if they are not properly supported.