Lippitt’s Phases of Change Theory
Lippitt, Watson, and Westley (1958) extend Lewin’s Three-Step Change Theory. Lippitt, Watson, and Westley created a seven-step theory that focuses more on the role and responsibility of the change agent than on the evolution of the change itself. Information is continuously exchanged throughout the process. The seven steps are:

ALICIA KRITSONIS _____________________________________________________________________________________3
1. Diagnose the problem.
2. Assess the motivation and capacity for change.
3. Assess the resources and motivation of the change agent. This includes the
change agent’s commitment to change, power, and stamina.
4. Choose progressive change objects. In this step, action plans are developed and
strategies are established.
5. The role of the change agents should be selected and clearly understood by all
parties so that expectations are clear. Examples of roles are: cheerleader,
facilitator, and expert.
6. Maintain the change. Communication, feedback, and group coordination are
essential elements in this step of the change process.
7. Gradually terminate from the helping relationship. The change agent should
gradually withdraw from their role over time. This will occur when the change becomes part of the organizational culture (Lippitt, Watson and Westley 58-59).
Lippitt, Watson, and Westley point out that changes are more likely to be stable if they spread to neighboring systems or to subparts of the system immediately affected. Changes are better rooted. Two examples are: the individual meets other problems in a similar way, several businesses adopt the same innovation, or the problem spreads to other departments of the same business. The more widespread imitation becomes, the more the behavior is regarded as normal (Lippitt, Watson and Westley 58-59)