Kotter 8-Step Change Model
John Kotter's eight-step process for leading organizational change, first published in 'Leading Change' (1996) and updated in 'Accelerate' (2014). The model organizes change leadership into three phases: creating a climate for change, engaging and enabling the organization, and implementing and sustaining change.
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Framework Domains (3)
Creating a Climate for Change
Establishing the conditions that make change possible by building urgency, assembling a powerful coalition, and developing a compelling vision and strategy.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOTTER-01 | Step 1: Create a Sense of Urgency — help others see the need for change through a bold opportunity statement |
| KOTTER-02 | Step 2: Build a Guiding Coalition — assemble a group with enough power, credibility, and leadership to guide change |
| KOTTER-03 | Step 3: Form a Strategic Vision and Initiatives — clarify how the future will differ from the past |
Engaging and Enabling the Organization
Communicating the vision broadly, empowering people to act, and generating visible short-term wins.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOTTER-04 | Step 4: Enlist a Volunteer Army — communicate the vision to generate buy-in and attract a growing coalition |
| KOTTER-05 | Step 5: Enable Action by Removing Barriers — eliminate obstacles, change structures that undermine the vision |
| KOTTER-06 | Step 6: Generate Short-Term Wins — plan for and create visible performance improvements early |
Implementing and Sustaining Change
Building on short-term gains to produce more change and embedding new approaches in the organizational culture.
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| KOTTER-07 | Step 7: Sustain Acceleration — use credibility from wins to change systems, structures, and policies |
| KOTTER-08 | Step 8: Institute Change — anchor new approaches in the culture, articulate connections between behaviors and success |
Maps to 22 other frameworks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kotter 8-Step Change Model?
Kotter 8-Step Change Model is a compliance framework from International with 3 domains and 8 controls. John Kotter's eight-step process for leading organizational change, first published in 'Leading Change' (1996) and updated in 'Accelerate' (2014). The model organizes change leadership into three phases: creating a climate for change, engaging and enabling the organization, and implementing and sustaining change. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
How many controls does Kotter 8-Step Change Model have?
Kotter 8-Step Change Model has 8 controls organised across 3 domains. The largest domains are Creating a Climate for Change (3 controls), Engaging and Enabling the Organization (3 controls), Implementing and Sustaining Change (2 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
What frameworks does Kotter 8-Step Change Model map to?
Kotter 8-Step Change Model maps to 22 other compliance frameworks. The top mapping partners are LEADS in a Caring Environment (100% coverage), The Leadership Challenge (Kouzes & Posner) (63% coverage), WHO Global Competency Model (63% coverage). Use our comparison tool to explore control-level mappings between frameworks.
How do I get started with Kotter 8-Step Change Model compliance?
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