Guide to Management Theory of Kurt Lewin

Lewin's theory of change can improve your company's organization
By Jeanne Dininni

Kurt Lewin contributed much to management theory. Such innovative business management concepts as his three leadership styles (autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire), his organizational change model (based on the concepts of unfreezing, changing, and refreezing) and his force field analysis method have assured Kurt Lewin his rightful place among the leading business management theorists.

Not just an insightful management theorist, Kurt Lewin is known for bridging the gap between theory and practice. His "action research" approach put theory to work in the field in brand new ways, as demonstrated by his force field analysis model. This model utilizes a diagram to assess the combined effect of all the driving and restraining forces that influence organizational systems, either moving them toward or away from change. In using the force field diagram to analyze a potential change, the management theory of Kurt Lewin teaches that the following factors must be considered:

1. The current and desired situations;

2. The likely evolution of the current situation if no action is taken;

3. The relative strength of the forces driving and the forces resisting change;

4. The validity, importance, strength (on a 1-10 scale) and ease with which each force can be changed;

5. The charting of each force on the diagram;

6. The viability of change and likelihood that progress can occur;

7. The possible effect of decreasing restraining forces and/or increasing driving forces; and

8. Finally, Lewin theory predicts that the understanding that increasing or decreasing driving or restraining forces can increase, decrease, or even create other forces.

Action Steps

The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Understand the management theory of Kurt Lewin and its implications for your company Numerous websites provide valuable information about Lewin theory. In addition to diagrams and summaries of Lewin's principles, you'll find various courses and instructional materials that can help you develop the background knowledge and practical expertise to put Lewin's theories to work for your company.

I recommend: The Prosci Change Management Learning Center website offers training sessions and free webinars to help you better understand and implement Lewin's theory of change. Westbrook Stevens, LLC illustrates Lewin's theory on its Force Field Analysis for Problem Solving page, using a series of diagrams and descriptions.

Hire a consultant who will incorporate Kurt Lewin's change theory into the approach used Consultants with knowledge and experience in the management theory of Kurt Lewin can guide you in maximizing the benefit of his principles in your own company's unique environment.

I recommend: Organized Change Consultancy offers consulting services and various types of training in change management. And Dr. Michael Beitler is a change management consultant who gives workshops and accepts speaking engagements to help businesspeople better understand and implement change along the lines of Kurt Lewin theory.

Look for tools that will help put Lewin's theory to work for you Widely available online tools and resources can help you more easily implement Kurt Lewin's theory of change management.

I recommend: SkyMark shows you how to generate a Force Field Analysis diagram using its PathMark software. The Prosci Change Management Learning Center website offers its Change Management Toolkit, along with its web-based Change Management Pilot tool and other helpful resources. MindTools explains how to use Lewin's Force Field Analysis tool and provides a free downloadable Force Field Analysis worksheet to help you complete your own analysis. And Integrated Organizational Development, Inc. offers a free downloadable change management survey, to help you assess your how ready your company might be to apply Kurt Lewin s change theory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

Consider the many benefits of putting Lewin change management theory to work for your business. If you decide to use it, why not go all out and practice it in all the areas it can effectively address: your own leadership of the company, your managers' development and your employees' readiness for change.