ACCA Strategic Business Leader (SBL) Practice Exam

What are the stages of Lewin's three-stage model for managing change?

1. Planning, Executing, Reviewing

2. Defining, Measuring, Implementing

3. Unfreezing, Change, Refreezing

4. Initiating, Transitioning, Closing

The correct answer is: Unfreezing, Change, Refreezing

Lewin's three-stage model for managing change is widely recognized in change management theory and consists of three distinct phases: Unfreezing, Change, and Refreezing. The Unfreezing stage involves preparing the organization for change by recognizing the need for change and creating an awareness of the current state that needs to be altered. This is crucial for overcoming the resistance to change that employees may feel. The Change stage is where the transition occurs. This phase involves the actual process of making the change, implementing new behaviors, processes, or ways of thinking. During this period, support and training help integrate these changes into the organization's daily operation. Finally, Refreezing is about solidifying the new state after the change has been made. This ensures that the new ways of operating become the norm and are supported by the organizational culture moving forward. Sustainability of the change is the focus here, ensuring that the new practices are maintained over time. In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent Lewin's model. They describe various project management or change processes but lack the specific framework and stages outlined by Lewin. This highlights the importance of understanding the foundational theories of change management and how they are structured into recognizable stages.