Guide and Notes 2026/2027 with
Solution
Change Theories & Foundational Models
Q1: Which of the following accurately describes the primary goal of Kurt Lewin’s
"Unfreezing" stage in the Change Model?
A. Implementing the new policies and procedures immediately.
B. Destabilizing the current equilibrium to make the organization receptive to change.
C. Solidifying the new state so that it becomes the standard.
D. Celebrating the successful completion of the change initiative.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The best answer is B. Unfreezing is about breaking down the existing
mindset and behaviors so that people are motivated to move toward a new way of doing
things.
Q2: In the ADKAR model for individual change, what does the "A" stand for, and why is
it critical?
A. Action; it is the step where employees actually perform the new tasks.
B. Ability; it ensures employees have the skills and behaviors needed to implement the
change.
C. Awareness; it represents the understanding of why the change is necessary.
D. Alignment; it ensures the change matches the company's strategic goals.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The "A" stands for Awareness, and it is critical because if employees don't
understand why a change is happening, they are unlikely to move through the
subsequent stages of the model.
Q3: According to John Kotter’s 8-Step Model, what is the primary purpose of Step 2:
"Forming a Powerful Guiding Coalition"?
A. To select the project managers who will oversee the technical implementation.
B. To gather a group of influential leaders with enough power and credibility to drive the
change effort.
C. To communicate the vision to the entire workforce.
D. To identify obstacles that might hinder the change process.
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: Kotter emphasizes that change cannot be driven by one person alone; you
need a coalition of key leaders across the organization who possess both authority and
influence.
Q4: The McKinsey 7-S Framework helps managers understand how organizational
elements interact. Which of the following is considered a "hard" element in this model?
A. Strategy
B. Shared Values
C. Staff
D. Style
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the McKinsey 7-S model, the "hard" elements are easier to define and
identify, such as Strategy, Structure, and Systems, while the "soft" elements like Shared
Values and Style are more intangible and influenced by culture.
Q5: Which change theory focuses specifically on the psychological transition individuals
go through during change, categorized into three phases: Ending, Neutral Zone, and
New Beginning?
A. Kotter’s 8-Step Model
B. Lewin’s Change Management Model
C. Bridges’ Transition Model
D. ADKAR Model
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Bridges’ Transition Model is distinct because it addresses the internal
psychological process people experience, whereas Lewin and Kotter focus more on the
organizational steps of implementation.
Q6: When applying Kotter’s model, what should a leader do during Step 4:
"Communicating the Change Vision"?
A. Send a single company-wide email outlining the technical details.
B. Use every possible channel and opportunity to communicate the new vision and
strategies.
C. Wait until the vision is fully perfected before sharing it with employees.
D. Focus primarily on training mid-level managers on the vision.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Kotter argues that communication must be simple, vibrant, and repeated
constantly through meetings, emails, and actions to ensure the vision sinks in and
guides decision-making.
Q7: In the context of ADKAR, if an employee knows how to use a new software but still
refuses to use it, which element is most likely missing?