3-phase model from Lewin

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3-phase model from Lewin

The 3-phase model (also English. Model of change called) by Kurt Lewin is a simple model for social change in a society .

background

Lewin formulated a 3-phase model for change processes in groups and organizations in his article Frontiers in group dynamics in 1947 . The basic ideas behind this model are to be seen against the background of his earlier studies “on solving social conflicts”. After emigrating to the United States , he investigated the question of how culture in Germany could be changed towards democracy after the end of the war . In the article "The Special Case of Germany" from 1953, it dealt with the cultural change process in individuals and nations ( Cultural Changes of individuals and Nations ), the so-called re-education ( re-education ), which after the war by the American military authorities should be carried out in Germany . In Lewin's opinion, when converting from autocracy to democracy, the leadership of a community must not just let everything go under the motto of "individual freedom", but must use all its power to gain insight into the democratic responsibility of the individual towards the group To bring about a whole.

Lewin preferred the change process in the group because it was more efficient because of the group dynamics. The process should be a step-by-step change from a hostile attitude to a friendly attitude towards the new system as a whole. He placed great emphasis on creating an atmosphere of freedom and spontaneity as part of the re-education process. For him it was illogical to expect that a person would make the change on their own. Because re-education tries to change the system of values ​​and views of the individual or a group in such a way that it again corresponds with society as a whole or with reality. He replied to his critics, who accused his method of deception and veil of fog, that they would consider a method of use of force to be more honorable and honest.

Phases

According to this model, changes in social groups take place in three phases: loosening, transferring, solidifying (sometimes - as in the graphic above - also translated as "thawing, moving, freezing" or "thawing, changing, re-stabilizing")

  1. Loosening (English Unfreezing )
    Lewin understands loosening or thawing as the preparation for a change. In this phase, plans are communicated, those affected by the change are included in the discussion, support is developed, and time is generally given to prepare for the change. Preparatory analyzes, for example a force field analysis, are carried out and the social systems become "soft" and changeable.
  2. Passing over (English moving )
    In the second phase there is a transition to the new level. The introduction of new group standards is reinforced through direct intervention by those responsible and through training, and the process is monitored.
  3. Solidification (English Freezing )
    The last phase serves to solidify the “getting used to” the group. The new process has to fit in completely and naturally “belong”. This is ensured by monitoring whether the process is functioning and is being maintained beyond the introductory phase.

distribution

Edgar Schein from MIT has investigated influencing processes in various groups. He examined prisoners of war in the Korean War, the socialization of MBAs for their employees, entrepreneurs, and directors while changing corporate cultures , advisors while helping organizations, and group dynamic processes of professional and cultural organizations among their members. In doing so, he found patterns in the dynamics of change similar to those shown in Lewin's model above.

swell

  1. ^ Kurt Lewin: Frontiers in group dynamics. Concept, method and reality in social science. Social equilibria and social change. In: Human Relations. Vol. 1, No. 1, 1947, ISSN  1573-9716 , pp. 5-41, doi : 10.1177 / 001872674700100103 ; German translation under the title: Equilibria and changes in group dynamics. In: Kurt Lewin: Field theory in the social sciences. Selected theoretical writings. Edited by Dorwin Cartwright. Hans Huber, Bern et al. 1963, pp. 223-270.
  2. ^ German: The special case of Germany. In: Kurt Lewin: The solution of social conflicts. Selected Treatises on Group Dynamics. Edited by Gertrud Weiß Lewin. Christian, Bad Nauheim 1953 pp. 74-91.
  3. ^ Kurt Lewin: Resolving Social Conflicts. Selected Papers on Group Dynamics. Edited by Gertrud Weiss Lewin. Harper & Row, New York NY 1948, p. 44, or in the German version: The solution of social conflicts. Selected Treatises on Group Dynamics. Edited by Gertrud Weiß Lewin. Christian, Bad Nauheim 1953, p. 83.
  4. ^ Kurt Lewin: The solution of social conflicts. Selected Treatises on Group Dynamics. Edited by Gertrud Weiß Lewin. Christian, Bad Nauheim 1953, p. 105.
  5. ^ "Changing as three steps: Unfreezing, Moving, and Freezing of Group Standards": Kurt Lewin: Frontiers in group dynamics. Concept, method and reality in social science. Social equilibria and social change. In: Human Relations. Vol. 1, No. 1, 1947, pp. 5-41, here p. 34 f; German: "Planned changes as a three-step: loosening up, passing over and solidifying a group standard": Equilibria and changes in group dynamics. In: Kurt Lewin: Field theory in the social sciences. Selected theoretical writings. Edited by Dorwin Cartwright. Hans Huber, Bern et al. 1963, pp. 223-270, here p. 262 f.
  6. ^ William C. Miller: The Creative Edge. Fostering Innovation Where You Work. Addison-Wesley, Reading MA et al. 1987, ISBN 0-201-15045-X , p. 73.
  7. ^ Edgar H. Schein , Inge Schneier, Curtis H. Barker: Coercive Persuasion. A socio-psychological analysis of the "brainwashing" of American civilian prisoners by the Chinese Communists. WW Norton, New York NY 1961.
  8. ^ Edgar H. Schein: Brainwashing and Totalitarianization in Modern Society. In: World Politics. Vol. 11, No. 3, 1959, ISSN  0043-8871 , pp. 430-441, JSTOR 2009202 .