Change Theory

Kurt Lewin
Date of last revision September 12, 2011
INTRODUCTION

Kurt Lewin (1890-1947) is considered as the father of social psychology

He was born in Germany, later emigrated to the US.

He is well known for his writings on group dynamics, group therapy and social
psychology.

Kurt Lewin introduced his field theory concepts, emphasizing that the group differs
from the simple sum of its parts.

Lewin coined the term group dynamics in 1939.

His field theory states that "ones behavior is related both to ones personal
characteristics and to the social situation in which one finds oneself."

LEWIN"S CHANGE THEORY

His most influencial theory was his model of the change process in human systems.

Kurt Lewin theorized a three-stage model of change that is known as the unfreezingchange-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.

Driving forces facilitate change because they push the person in the desired direction.

They cause a shift in the equilibrium towards change.

Restraining forces

Restraining forces are forces that counter driving forces.

Restraining forces hinder change because they push the person in the opposite
direction.

Restraining forces cause a shift in the equilibrium which opposes change

Equilibrium

Equilibrium is a state of being where driving forces equal restraining forces and no
change occurs

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

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.

Unfreezing is necessary to overcome the strains of individual resistance and group

conformity.

Unfreezing can be achieved by the use of three methods.

o First, increase the driving forces that direct behavior away from the existing
situation or status quo.
o Second, decrease the restraining forces that negatively affect the movement
from the existing equilibrium.
o Third, find a combination of the two methods listed above.

2. Moving to a new level or Changing or Movement

This stage involves a process of change in thoughts, feeling, behavior, or all three,
that is in some way more liberating or more productive.

3. Refreezing

Refreezing is establishing the change as a new habit, so that it now becomes the
standard operating procedure.

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
1. Kritsonis A. Comparison of Change Theories. International Journal of Scholarly
Academic Intellectual Diversity; 8:1, 2004-2005.

Change Theory
Kurt Lewin

Disusun Oleh :
Nanang Itsnaini K.A
Rizka Oktyaningrum
Septian Wisnu
Suhildan Hafiz
Wita Susanti Rahayu

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