Knowledge management change implementation model

Overview

This tutorial presents an overview of the ADKAR model for change management.

ADKAR is a goal-oriented change management model that allows change management teams to focus their activities on specific business results. The model was initially used as a tool for determining if change management activities like communications and training were having the desired results during organizational change. The model has its origins in aligning traditional change management activities to a given result or goal.

For example, Awareness of the business reasons for change is a goal of early communications related to a business change. Desire to engage and participate in the change is the goal of sponsorship and resistance management. Knowledge about how to change is the goal of training and coaching. By identifying the required outcomes or goals of change management, ADKAR becomes a useful framework for change management teams in the planning and execution of their work.

The goals or outcomes defined by ADKAR are sequential and cumulative. An individual must obtain each element in sequence in order for a change to be implemented and sustained.

As a manager, you can use this model to identify gaps in your change management process and to provide effective coaching for your employees. The ADKAR model can be used to:

• diagnose employee resistance to change
• help employees transition through the change process
• create a successful action plan for personal and professional advancement during change
• develop a change management plan for your employees

The ADKAR model has the ability to identify why changes are not working and help you take the necessary steps to make the change successful. You will be able to break down the change into parts, understand where the change is failing and address that impact point.

The ADKAR model was first published by Prosci in 1998 after research with more than 300 companies undergoing major change projects. In 2006, Prosci released the first complete text on the ADKAR model in Jeff Hiatt's book ADKAR: a model for change in business, government and our community. This model is intended to be a coaching tool to help employees through the change process. Refer to the Change Management Toolkit for more information about organizational change management.