Kotter's Eight Step Model

Considering the fact senior managers and union employees are both acting as obstacles for corporate change, this CEO will have a tough road ahead of her regardless of which model she uses to establish change. With that said, I believe she would be more successful by using the Kotter eight-step model. First, the CEO should understand where she has failed to gain tracking by implementing change. Personally, I believe the CEO failed to establish change by making errors like the first three documented in an article by Kotter (2007). Specifically, she failed to utilize the first three steps in Kotter’s eight-step model, and if she had, perhaps she could be in a different position. To explain further, the CEO may have discussed potential …show more content…
Escalating problems within the company will contribute to establishing a sense of urgency, and her politicking with the senior and union leaders could provide powerful people to create a guiding coalition. Success will now be dependent on creating a vision that clarifies the direction the company should go. However, Kotter explains errors can be made in each of the steps, but if the CEO can follow his model and supervise the actions, I believe Kotter’s eight step model could transform her organization. The key aspect discussed in the second scenario is a CEO, who does not have enough information to make a decision. Also, it appears the situation does not require an immediate change. Therefore, I would recommend using action research and bring in a consultant to help. “Using the action research process enables the consultant to understand better the system in which he/she is involved, (Lurey and Griffen).” Another benefit of bringing in a consultant is the fact the CEO can voice his concerns through a mediator giving him freedom from appearing to favor either …show more content…
Specifically, the CEO would get unbiased information regarding the pros and cons to both scenarios, including data which could present an alternate method to boost revenues. Further, action research allows for developing a plan of action for specific situations including implementing changes within the organization. Depending, on how much time the CEO has, a consulting action research model could provide a well guided and informative process to identify the best course of action. Additionally, consultants can provide support to develop and train leaders on the new changes as well as developing training to provide the company a better understanding to the “why” the organization is changing. Thus, action research could perhaps be the best choice for companies that do not have the infrastructure to develop, plan and implement change, particularly small businesses or startup