INTRODUCTION
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Kurt Lewin (1890-1947) is considered as the father of social psychology
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He was born in Germany, later emigrated to the US.
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He is well known for his writings on group dynamics, group therapy and social psychology.
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Kurt Lewin introduced his field theory concepts, emphasizing that the group differs from the simple sum of its parts.
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Lewin coined the term group dynamics in 1939.
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His field theory states that "one’s
behavior is related both to one’s personal characteristics and to the
social situation in which one finds oneself."
LEWIN"S CHANGE THEORY
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His most influencial theory was his model of the change process in human systems.
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Kurt Lewin theorized a three-stage model of change that is known as
the unfreezing-change-refreeze model that requires prior learning to be rejected and
replaced.
- Lewin's theory states behavior as "a dynamic balance of forces working in opposing directions. "
CONCEPTS
Driving forces -
Driving forces are forces that push in a direction that causes change to occur.
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Driving
forces facilitate change because they push the person in the desired direction.
- They cause a shift in the equilibrium towards change.
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Restraining forces are forces that counter driving forces.
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Restraining forces hinder change because they push the person in the opposite direction.
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Restraining forces cause a shift in the equilibrium which opposes change
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Equilibrium is a state of being where driving forces equal restraining forces and no change occurs
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Equilibrium can be raised or lowered by changes that occur between the driving and restraining forces.
STAGES
Consists of three distinct and vital stages:1. “Unfreezing”
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Unfreezing is the process which involves finding a method of making it possible for people to let go of an old pattern that was counterproductive in some way.
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Unfreezing is necessary to overcome the strains of individual resistance and group conformity.
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Unfreezing can be achieved by the use of three methods.
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First, increase the
driving forces that direct behavior away from the existing situation or status quo.
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Second, decrease the restraining forces that negatively affect the movement from the
existing equilibrium.
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Third, find a combination of the two methods listed above.
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First, increase the
driving forces that direct behavior away from the existing situation or status quo.
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This stage involves a process of change in thoughts,
feeling, behavior, or all three, that is in some way more liberating or
more productive.
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Refreezing is establishing the change as a new habit, so that it now becomes the “standard operating procedure.”
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Without this stage of refreezing, it is easy to go back to the old ways.
APPLICATION
- It is pertinant that the driving and restraining forces must be analyzed before implimenting a planned change.
REFERENCES
- Kritsonis A. Comparison of Change Theories. International Journal of Scholarly Academic Intellectual Diversity; 8:1, 2004-2005.
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