In Lewin's change model, during which phase does the change become the new normal?

In Lewin's change model, during which phase does the change become the new normal?

• A. Unfreezing
• B. Moving
• C. Freezing
• D. Refreezing

Answer: (C)

In Lewin's model, the change becomes the new normal during the refreezing phase. This is when the organization stabilizes and reinforces the new ways of working so they become routine. It involves embedding the changes into standard procedures, aligning systems and incentives, and shaping the culture so the new state is maintained over time, even after the change agents move on. Unfreezing is about preparing for change, and moving is the implementation phase; only in refreezing is the change solidified and kept as the new standard. Note that the term “freezing” isn’t used as a separate stage in Lewin’s model—the stabilizing step is called refreezing.

In Lewin's model, the change becomes the new normal during the refreezing phase. This is when the organization stabilizes and reinforces the new ways of working so they become routine. It involves embedding the changes into standard procedures, aligning systems and incentives, and shaping the culture so the new state is maintained over time, even after the change agents move on. Unfreezing is about preparing for change, and moving is the implementation phase; only in refreezing is the change solidified and kept as the new standard. Note that the term “freezing” isn’t used as a separate stage in Lewin’s model—the stabilizing step is called refreezing.