Change Management Models
3
Lewin Stages
Unfreeze, Change, Refreeze
8
Kotter Steps
1996 organization-level model
5
ADKAR Letters
Individual-level Prosci model
three currents to the same finish
Three Models · Three Currents
Each model carries change downstream — but in a different rhythm. Lewin runs a three-stage flow. Kotter has eight rapids. ADKAR moves one swimmer at a time.
how to read this
- › All three rivers start at "current state" and end at "sustained change."
- › Lewin's 3 stones describe the rhythm at the simplest level.
- › Kotter's 8 rapids are detailed moves the change agent makes — urgency comes FIRST, vision is THIRD.
- › ADKAR's 5 swimmers remind you that change happens one person at a time.
Bridges Transition Model
The fourth model — less common on the exam but worth knowing. Focuses on the EMOTIONAL transition rather than the change event.
✕
phase 1
Ending
Letting go of the old
~
phase 2
Neutral Zone
Awkward middle space
✦
phase 3
New Beginning
Embracing the new
Exam Traps
Counts matter
Lewin has THREE stages, not four. Kotter has EIGHT, not seven or nine. ADKAR has FIVE letters in a fixed order. Miscount and you miss.
Kotter step 1 is urgency, not vision
Vision is step three. Step one creates urgency. Step two builds the coalition. The exam tests order.
ADKAR is individual-level
Lewin and Kotter operate on the organization. ADKAR works one person at a time. Wrong scope means wrong answer.
Refreeze does NOT mean revert
It means cement the new behavior as standard. Candidates flip the meaning because the word sounds like rewind.
Match the scope
Single employee resisting? ADKAR. Enterprise rollout? Kotter or Lewin. The scope of the scenario points to the model.
Refreeze is locking, not undoing
Lewin Refreeze cements the new state. It does not return to the old one.
Tear out the old kitchen (unfreeze). Install the new one (change). Seal it up (refreeze). Three stages.
Eight detailed steps. Convince the family it is needed (urgency). Get a coalition. Cast a vision. Empower action. Win small. Sustain. Anchor.
Awareness. Desire. Knowledge. Ability. Reinforcement. One person at a time.
Mourning the old kitchen, the awkward takeout phase, then loving the new space. Less commonly tested.
Ready to test your PHR knowledge?
1,700+ practice questions written by certified professionals.
Start Practicing PHR