Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model


Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model provides a roadmap for leading transformation, guiding organisations from creation to the cultural embedding of a change. Its application works best when adapted to context, and is supported by effective leadership, governance, and communication. (Appelbaum et al., 2012; Pollack & Pollack, 2015; Harrison et al., 2021).

Technique Overview

Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model

Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model Definition

Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model is a structured, leadership-focused approach to managing organisational change. It sequences actions from creating urgency and building coalitions to embedding new behaviours and systems. The model’s strength lies in clear vision, disciplined sequencing and sustaining momentum through communication, empowerment and visible progress (Pollack & Pollack, 2015).

Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model Description *

* The full technique overview will be available soon. Contact us to register your interest in our business management platform, and learn all about Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model.

Business Evidence

Strengths, weaknesses and examples of Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model *

* The business evidence section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the Business Evidence.

Business Application

Implementation, success factors and measures of Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model *

* The business application section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the Business application.

Professional Tools

Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model videos and downloads *

* The professional tools section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the professional tools.

Further Reading

Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model web and print resources *

Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model references (4 of up to 20) *

  • Appelbaum, S.H., Habashy, S., Malo, J.L. and Shafiq, H. (2012) ‘Back to the future: revisiting Kotter’s 1996 change model’, Journal of Management Development, 31(8), pp. 764–782. Available at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/02621711211253231/full/html
  • Carreño, A.M. (2024) ‘An analytical review of John Kotter’s change leadership framework: A modern approach to sustainable organizational transformation’, SSRN working paper. Available at: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5044428
  • Harrison, R., Fischer, S., Walpola, R.L., Chauhan, A., Babalola, T., Mears, S. and Le-Dao, H. (2021) ‘Where do models for change management, improvement and implementation meet? A systematic review of the applications of change management models in healthcare’, Journal of Healthcare Leadership, 13,
  • Laig, R.V. and Abocejo, F.T., 2021. Change Management Process in a Mining Company: Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model. Open Access Library Journal, 8(9), pp.1–15. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354614425_Change_Management_Process_in_a_Mining_Company_Kotter's_8-Step_Change_Model

* The further reading section is for premium members only. Please contact us about accessing the further reading.

Learn more about KnowledgeBrief Manage and how you can equip yourself with the knowledge to succeed on Kotter’s 8 Step Change Model and hundreds of other essential business management techniques

Other members were also interested in...

Related Concept: Collating and Formatting Data

 Before any analysis can happen, data needs to be collated from correct sources and formatted so it follows clear organisational standards. Research shows that inconsistent structures and formats make data harder to combine, process and trust (Jagadish et al., 2014). Collating and formatting ensure the dataset is clean, consistent and ready for use.