Who is credited with developing the 8 Steps of Change?

The 8 Steps of Change are widely attributed to John Kotter, a prominent figure in change management. His framework is designed to guide organizations through a successful change process. The eight steps include creating urgency, forming powerful coalitions, developing a vision and strategy, communicating the vision, empowering broad-based action, generating short-term wins, consolidating gains and producing more change, and anchoring new approaches in the culture. This structured approach helps organizations to not only implement changes effectively but also to sustain them by embedding them into the corporate culture.

Kotter’s methodology emphasizes the importance of leadership, communication, and engagement throughout the change process, making it a comprehensive and practical model for organizations seeking to navigate transformations successfully. His work is supported by years of research and practical application in various organizations, underscoring its relevance and efficacy in managing change.

In contrast, the other individuals listed have contributed significantly to the field of change management but are not associated with this specific 8-step model. Handy is known for his work on organizational culture, Schein has provided insights into organizational change and culture as well, and Lewin is credited with introducing the foundational concepts of change theory, including the three stages of change: unfreezing, changing, and refreezing