Lewin's Change Theory
According to Lewin's theory, there are three major steps in change implementation: unfreezing, changing, and refreezing. Unfreezing involves creating awareness of the problem and challenging the status quo. The change step involves demonstrating benefits of change, seeking alternatives, and decreasing negative forces. In the refreezing stage, the changes introduced are integrated and stabilized in the healthcare organization (Barrow et al., 2022).
Kotter's 8-Step Change Model
Kotter's model proceeds through eight sequential steps: (1) creating a sense of urgency, (2) forming a powerful coalition, (3) creating a vision of change, (4) communicating the vision to all stakeholders, (5) removing obstacles that inhibit change, (6) creating short-term wins, (7) building on the change rather than declaring early victory, and (8) anchoring changes in corporate culture (Laig & Abocejo, 2021).
Selecting the Best Theory for EBP Implementation
Kotter's 8-Step model best supports evidence-based practice implementation due to its simple, easy-to-follow structure and emphasis on employee involvement throughout change implementation. The model allows forecasting of results and prioritizes preparation by involving obstacle removal and support gathering necessary for change integration.
References
- Barrow, J. M., Annamaraju, P., & Toney-Butler, T. J. (2022). Change management. NCBI. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459380/
- Laig, R. B. D., & Abocejo, F. T. (2021). Change management process in a mining company: Kotter's 8-step change model. Journal of Management, Economics, and Industrial Organization, 5(3), 31-50. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354614425
Related: See our organizational culture and EBP or EBP vs research.