Change Management

Best Change Management Methodologies & Models | All You Need to Know

by Change Management Lead
November 14, 2023

Best Organizational Change Management Models & Methodologies

change management processes and methodologies

Which Organizational Change Management Model Fits Your Transformation Puzzle?

Welcome to the world of Organizational Change Management Models & Methodologies – a dynamic landscape where strategies and frameworks act as guiding stars through the tempests of change within companies.

Imagine a toolbox filled with solutions tailored to steer an organization through transformation.

From data-driven approaches to roadmaps of clarity, each offering distinct visions of charm in the grand picture of change. Join us on this journey through the galaxy of change models, where the mission is to find the perfect fit for your organization’s metamorphosis.

Are you eager to see what lies ahead? We’ve prepared a concise overview just for you. Brace yourself to delve into the leading Change Management Methodologies & Models, and rest assured, we’ll be your guide throughout this exploration.

Quick Summary

Understanding the Array of Organizational Change Management Methods

There are various organizational change management methods available to help implement and manage changes within an organization. Consulting firms like Deloitte, Accenture, and McKinsey have their own change management models, and there are also standardized methodologies such as the Prosci ADKAR change model, Accelerating Implementation Methodology (AIM), John Kotter’s change model, Kübler-Ross’ change curve, Bridges’ transition model, and others.

However, not all change management methods are equal. Organizations typically have limited resources and budgets for major transformational initiatives. Therefore, it’s crucial to focus on strategies that provide the maximum impact in the shortest time. The key is to continuously assess and weigh the impact and risks of various activities on the individuals affected by the change.

When selecting a change management model or method, it’s essential to consider the severity, scale, and magnitude of the impacts on the people involved in the change program. This consideration is vital to ensure that the chosen approach is the most suitable for your organization and the individuals impacted by the change.

change management tools and techniques

The Elite Arsenal of Organizational Change Strategies

Top Organizational Change Models and Methodologies offer structured approaches to managing and navigating the complexities of organizational change. These methodologies provide tools and insights to ensure successful transitions and while choosing the right model is essential to address an organization’s specific change management needs, selecting the right one can often be a challenge. Here are the top change models and methodologies and their key characteristics:   

  1. Accelerating Implementation Methodology (AIM): A flexible, data-driven change management model suitable for various transformational programs, offering integrated strategies, tactics, and tools.
  2. OCM Solution Change Management Method: Developed by Ogbe Airiodion, this model addresses the limitations of the Prosci approach and focuses on comprehensive change management programs.
  3. APMG Certified Change Management Professional™ (CCMP™): A globally recognized certification based on generally accepted change management practices and processes, not tied to a specific change model.
  4. Bridges’ Transition Change Management Model: William Bridges’ model emphasizes the personal journey through change, focusing on the transition individuals go through for successful change.
  5. John Kotter’s Change Method and Theory: The 8-step change management framework focuses on generating enthusiasm, especially within leadership, and provides a roadmap for initiating, managing, and sustaining change.
  6. Kurt Lewin Change Management Model: Lewin’s 3-stage model focuses on the transitions needed by individuals impacted by change and compares them to the freezing and unfreezing of water.
  7. McKinsey 7-S Change Model: A holistic framework that examines various elements of a company’s structure and culture to ensure they are in harmony for successful change management.
  8. Prosci ADKAR® Change Management Model: A highly regarded model known for its flexibility and goal-oriented approach, with five key milestones (Awareness, Desire, Knowledge, Ability, and Reinforcement) to guide individual and organizational change.

These models and methodologies offer different approaches and can be applied depending on an organization’s specific needs and goals for managing change.

Detailed Deep Dive

Complete Guide to Top Change Management Models, Frameworks, & Change Methodologies

This free step-by-step guide of change management models has been published for Change Practitioners, Change Managers, Leaders, Project Managers, HR, Program Management Leads, and any other practitioner who is interested in change management.

It provides you with a list of the best change management methodologies that you can use for driving change within your organization. It also reviews the pros and cons of the listed top change management models, so you can better determine which model is best for your industry, organization, and sector. Every change methodology & model is different – some are best suited to specific industries. 

change management methodology

Why Use Change Management Models? My Experience as a Sr. Change Management Lead

Why use organizational change management models? What are the true benefits of applying an OCM methodology?

Over the last few decades, I have implemented large-scale organizational changes across Intel, Deloitte, Apple, Cisco, the U.S. Federal Reserve Bank, State Street, Accenture, HSBC, Capital One, and other global organizations. During my tenure, I have had the opportunity to apply most of the change management models presented in this article. 

Time and time again, I have identified that applying a structured, defined, and flexible change management methodology increases the success of projects by over 91%.

Ogbe Airiodion
Senior Change Management Lead & Consultant

All-in-One OCM Change Management Software

Additional Reasons for Using a Best Change Management Model

It is normal human nature not to like change – whether that change is personal, business, or social, and so people, as well as impacted target audience groups often exhibit passive, sub-conscious, or active resistance to a change.

As such, using a defined and structured change management approach allows you to apply a repeatable, trackable, and enhanced process for managing all aspects of your change management activities, implementation, and deliverables. 

From the starting process of identifying who is impacted by a change, all the way to managing stakeholders, rolling out the change, delivering effective communications, providing training and coaching, and reinforcing the change, applying the best change management methodologies and tools is key to increasing your success.

Leverage this article, as well as the scholarly articles for change management methodologies referenced below to help increase your knowledge and change performance. Message us if you have any questions.

Best Change Management Methodologies and Models for This Year and Beyond

The list of change management methodologies below is sorted alphabetically and includes models that are best suited for any sector and industry.

Best Change Management Methods for Specific Industries

The list of change frameworks and methodologies below includes models that are best suited for specific industries & sectors:

Don’t Miss: Top Change Impact Assessment & Management Tool

What is Change Management (OCM)?

Organizational change management, which is the people side of change, is a structured approach used to transition individuals and groups that are impacted by an organizational, social, business, economic, or climate change.

Change management models are used to implement the processes for moving people through their individual change curves so that they can successfully accept, embrace, and adopt a change.

Don’t Miss: Importance of Change Management (All You Need to Know)

Irrespective of the factors driving the change, when organizations, governments, agencies, and groups experience change, it is the impacted end-users who ultimately need to change their behaviors or how they perform their day-to-day activities.

If these individuals are unsuccessful in their transitions, for example, if they don’t embrace, learn, and adopt the new way of doing things, the initiative will not be successful, nor it will achieve its expected return on investment (ROI). This is why implementing a change using one of the top models of change management reviewed below is very important.

Don’t miss the list of scholarly articles for change management methodologies at the bottom of this article for additional reading on topics related to implementing change.

Different Types of Organizational Change Management Methods

There is a wide range of change management models and methodologies that can be applied to drive the people side of change.

Consulting firms like Deloitte, Accenture, and McKinsey have their versions of models of change management. There are also standardized change methodologies including Prosci ADKAR change model, Accelerating Implementation Methodology (AIM), John Kotter’s change model, Kübler-Ross’ change curve, Bridges’ transition model, and many more.

Not All Change Management Method are Created Equally

Organizations are always faced with a limited amount of resources and budget, and it’s rare to find an organization that will have the full complement of resources needed to perfectly design, develop, implement, and manage any major transformational initiative.

Based on this, it is essential that every resource and transformational plan is targeted to have the maximum impact in the shortest amount of time.

As stated by the IMA (Implementation Management Associates) organization, “any approach to change management that prescribes the activities of Change Agents and Sponsors without continuously weighing the relative impact and risk of that activity is completely missing the boat.”

What they are saying here is that it is critical to assess and consider the severity, scale, and magnitude of the impacts on the individuals that will be impacted by the change.

Why is this important to you?

It is important because when analyzing, researching, and identifying the best change management models, methods, and frameworks that are currently available, you want to make sure that you select the one that is best for you, and for your program, as well as for the people that will be impacted by your change program.

In addition to the change models reviewed below, also view these change frameworks for specific industries and sectors.

High-Level Review:
Top Organizational Change Models and Methodologies

Accelerating Implementation Methodology (AIM) Change Method

The Accelerating Implementation Methodology change model is a flexible, business-disciplined change management framework that is both systematic and systemic.

The AIM change model is driven by data, which increases its appeal to the sciences and technology sector as well as to human resources (HR) professionals. 

AIM Change Model-min

Based on its flexible structure, the AIM change method can be applied to any kind of transformational program, from small to large scale initiatives, which makes it one of the top models of change management.

Why is AIM change management important

A key benefit of the AIM organizational change management model is that it involves an integrated system of operationalized strategies, tactics, techniques, analytics, and tools that can be applied across the life cycle of a change program, all the way from inception through the “post-implementation phase” where the return on investment is realized.

All-in-One OCM Change Management Software

Questions or comments about the AIM change method or change management methodologies and tools? Click here to contact the OCM Solution Change Management Team.

OCM Solution Change Management Method

What are the background and driving factors behind the Airiodion Global Service’ OCM Solution Change Model? Let’s hear from our founder, Ogbe Airiodion, who founded the OCM Solution Change Methodology.

Over the last decade, I have worked on large scale, complex projects as a Senior Change Management Lead and Consultant for top banking, financial, and technology companies including Cisco, Intel, HSBC, Berkshire Hathaway, Deloitte, Accenture, and many more.

Most of these organizations apply the Prosci change management approach based on its flexibility and its focus on the individual end-user. Over the last decade, I have mastered and applied the Prosci change model but found that it lacked some key change components that are needed for end-to-end change management programs.

In developing the OCM Solution Change Model to become one of the most effective change management methods, I evaluated and defined a flexible change approach that was best for change practitioners, HR, and project leads. Read more: OCM Solution Change Management Model for Change Practitioners.

Ogbe Airiodion

change management frameworks and methodologies

Questions or comments about the OCM Solution change model or the change management processes and methodologies? Click here to contact the OCM Solution Change Management Team.

APMG Certified Change Management Professional™ (CCMP™)

ACMP’s globally recognized change management specialist certification is based upon the organization’s Standard for Change Management©. Becoming a Certified Change Management Professional™ (CCMP™) carries a lot of weight in the change management world.

After developing a set of standards, ACMP launched its CCMP certification 2016. In a fairly short amount of time, it’s gained worldwide recognition as a top change management certification online or offline.

The APMG CCMP certificate is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for Change Management Practitioner certification. UKAS is the UK’s only Government recognised National Accreditation Body – responsible for assessing the competence of organizations providing professional certifications. As such, if you are based in the UK, the CCMP certificate might be your go-to certificate of choice.

What Model is Taught for CCMP Certification?

The CCMP certification is “method neutral.” This means that it doesn’t teach a specific change model, like some other organizational change management certification programs. The Certified Change Management Professional™ (CCMP™) covers generally accepted practices and processes used across multiple industries.

Read more: APMG Certified Change Management Professional™ (CCMP™) – UK

Questions or comments about the APMG Certified Change Management Professional™ (CCMP™) or change management principles and methodologies? Click here to contact the OCMS Solution Change Management Team.

Bridges’ Transition Change Management Model

When you’re facilitating change in any organization, you have to focus on the planning element as well as understand how that change will impact your employees and other stakeholders.

If your change planning is too “top-heavy” and doesn’t focus enough on the people transitioning through the change, you have a good chance at failure.

One of the most effective change management models that is all about the personal journey through change is the William Bridges transitions model for change. The personal journey is at the heart of the William Bridges transition model.

William Bridges’ organizational change model argues that instead of focusing on the change itself, the focus should be put on the transition that people have to go through for the change to happen successfully. Read more: How Do You Use Bridges’ Transition Model to Facilitate Change? Pros & Cons.

All-in-One OCM Change Management Software

Questions or comments about the Bridges’ change framework or organisational change management methods? Click here to contact the OCM Solution Change Management Team.

John Kotter’s Change Method and Theory

Why is John Kotter’s 8-Step change management model so popular?

The Kotter 8-step change management framework is very popular because it offers an easy-to-understand roadmap that change managers can follow, even if they’re new to change. Each step describes exactly what needs to happen to keep a change project on track.

John Kotter’s 8-step change framework focuses on the enthusiasm that one must generate, especially within the firm’s leadership, to make change happen. It lays out eight key transitional steps that take you through the process of initiating, managing, and sustaining change.

Looking at the pros and cons of Kotter’s change model is an excellent way to decide if it’s a good fit for your change team and organizational needs. You don’t want to just jump in and choose the first change model you run across; otherwise, you could end up having problems. Read more: Detailed Review: John Kotter’s Change Management Model.

All-in-One OCM Change Management Software

Questions or comments about the Kotter organizational change management model or other change management methodologies? Click here to contact the OCM Solution Change Management Team.

Kurt Lewin Change Management Model

Kurt Lewin is often recognized as one of the pioneers of social psychology. He emigrated to the U.S. from Germany and is the person behind Lewin’s three-stage model for change management.

The Kurt Lewin model of change management includes a 3-stage process that many companies find simple to understand and implement. It’s one of several change management frameworks that organizations can use as a roadmap for change.

Lewin’s 3 stage model of change focuses on the transitions needed by people that are impacted by a change, comparing them to the freezing and unfreezing of water, and is designed to move an organization’s team past initial signs of resistance.

How do you know if Kurt Lewin’s organizational change methodology is the best one for your change project? What are the cons and pros of this change methodology? Will it provide you with all the steps you need for success and foster a positive environment for employees and other stakeholders? Read more: Kurt Lewin Change Model | Pros & Cons | Everything You Need to Know.

Questions or comments about the Lewin change methodology model or the OCMS change management methodology? Click here to contact the OCM Solution Change Management Team.

McKinsey 7-S Change Model

Companies have multiple moving parts that can be impacted by a change. Even the smallest change can set off a ripple throughout an organization. Understanding all the pieces of business that can be impacted by the change is at the heart of the McKinsey 7S framework.

The 7S model, that McKinsey introduced back in the late 1970s takes a holistic look at what makes companies tick and how each element of a company needs to be in harmony for an organization to operate competitively and manage change successfully.

Click below to find out how the McKinsey 7S OCM methodology is used for organizational analysis and in change management projects. Bonus: We included a downloadable McKinsey 7S framework PPT and McKinsey 7S framework PDF that you can use to explain this McKinsey change management method to others.

McKinsey 7S Change Model Framework | All You Need to Know.

Making the Case for Change Management OCM

Questions or comments about the 7S change process and model? or other change management methods? Click here to contact the OCM Solution Change Management Team.

Prosci ADKAR® Change Management Model

The Prosci ADKAR® Model is often considered one of the best change management methodologies by organizations across every industry. This is due to the ADKAR change management model’s flexibility and goal-oriented framework that guides individual and organizational change.

The Prosci ADKAR® Model is a goal-oriented change framework that was created by Jeff Hiatt, Prosci’s founder. ADKAR is an acronym that represents five key milestones that users need to achieve for lasting change.

In spending decades studying change leaders and programs, noting what worked and what didn’t, and establishing how to effectively implement change and measure results, Prosci has been able to create a repeatable, scalable change management method for managing the people side of change.

When an organization implements a new solution, it is the employees and managers who eventually need to learn and use the new solution. If individuals are not successful in their individual transformations, then the solution will not achieve success.

The ADKAR OCM methodology has become one of the widely used top change management models because it is structured specifically for transiting the individual employee, which makes it a great change model for:

  • Planning change management activities
  • Diagnosing gaps
  • Developing corrective actions
  • Supporting managers and supervisors

Don’t Miss.

Scholarly articles for change management methodologies and other related business change process:

What is a change management methodology?

A change management methodology is a defined and structured process for implementing organizational change management. It outlines the steps you need for completing the three key stages of an organizational change management program. Read more: https://www.ocmsolution.com/organizational-change-management-methodologies/

What are the different change management methodologies?

The different change methods include: Accelerating Implementation Methodology (AIM), Airiodion Global Services (AGS) Change Model, Bridges’ Transition Change Management Framework John Kotter’s OCM Methodology and Theory, Kurt Lewin Change Model, McKinsey 7-S Change Model, Prosci Organizational Change Management Methodology (ADKAR)

What is Lewins 3 Step Model?

The Lewin's 3 stage model focuses on the transitions needed by people that are impacted by the change, comparing them to the freezing and unfreezing of water. Kurt theorized that to begin a successful change project, people need to be jolted out of their current equilibrium so they can transition to the new state of being, which is the post-change state or desired state. Read more at: https://www.ocmsolution.com/kurt-lewin-change-model/

What is Kotter Change Model?

The Kotter 8-step model is popular because it offers an easy-to-understand roadmap that change managers can follow, even if they’re new to change. Each step describes exactly what needs to happen to keep a change project on track. John Kotter’s 8-step model focuses on the enthusiasm that one must generate, especially within the firm’s leadership, to make change happen. It lays out eight steps that take you through the process of initiating, managing, and sustaining change. Read more at https://www.ocmsolution.com/john-kotter-change-model/

What are the 5 key elements of successful change management?

The key elements of a successful change management program includes leadership support, effective communications, a completed change impact assessment, successful training and enablement and ongoing reinforcement of the change.

Note: Content on OCM Solution's ocmsolution.com website is protected by copyright. Should you have any questions or comments regarding this OCM Solution page, please reach out to Ogbe Airiodion (Change Management Lead) or the OCM Solution Team today. OCM Solution was previously known as Airiodion Global Services (AGS).

External sources: https://www.prosci.com/adkar/applications-of-adkar, https://www.imaworldwide.com/aim-change-management-methodology, https://www.imaworldwide.com/blog/the-value-of-aim-change-management-certification