Selecting The Best Change Model For This Business And Implem

Selecting the best change model for this business, and implementing it step by step provides the foundation for creating an exciting new company

Sea Treasures, a longstanding retail business specializing in exotic sea life and high-end aquarium accessories, faces a critical juncture. With declining customer engagement and operational challenges, the company must innovate rapidly to ensure survival. The proposed solution involves implementing a phased digital transformation beginning with a short-term website to sell inventory, followed by a long-term expansion to online sales of live sea creatures. Successfully navigating this transformation requires strategic application of change management models tailored to each phase.

For the short-term change—developing and launching an e-commerce website to sell decorative items—the Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model is an effective framework. This model emphasizes creating a sense of urgency, forming a guiding coalition, developing a vision, communicating the vision, removing obstacles, generating short-term wins, consolidating gains, and anchoring new approaches into the organizational culture. Applying Kotter’s model ensures a rapid, focused approach that addresses employee resistance, aligns management efforts, and fosters momentum necessary for initial online sales.

In the long-term phase, where the company plans to expand online sales to live sea creatures, a more comprehensive and transformational approach is necessary. The Lewin’s Change Management Model—comprising unfreezing, change, and refreezing—provides a structured methodology conducive to long-lasting organizational change. This model supports systemic shifts in organizational culture, procedures, and employee mindset required to sustain a large-scale jump into live animal e-commerce. It emphasizes preparing staff for change, implementing new practices, and ensuring stability before embedding the new approach into the organizational identity.

Rationale for Change Model Selection

The choice of Kotter’s model for the short-term change is grounded in its ability to foster rapid buy-in and momentum. Given the urgent need to transform inventory disposition into revenue, this model's emphasis on creating urgency and quick wins aligns with the company's immediate goals. It also facilitates addressing employee resistance through transparent communication and involvement, vital for shop staff and management adapting to new sales channels and technology.

Conversely, the Lewin’s model suits the long-term strategic shift due to its focus on organizational readiness and cultural change. Transitioning to sale of live sea creatures involves not only technological upgrades but also significant adjustments in processes, staff training, and customer safety protocols, making it a more complex, systemic change. Lewin’s approach ensures that these changes are systematically prepared, implemented, and stabilized, reducing resistance and promoting acceptance across all levels of the organization.

Impact on Employees, Managers, and Executives

Implementing these change models will influence all organizational tiers. During the short-term phase, employees involved in customer service, sales, and inventory management will experience shifts in workflow and expectations. Proper communication and inclusion in the creation of the new website will mitigate resistance and foster a sense of ownership. Managers must balance operational continuity with embracing new skills, such as digital literacy and online customer engagement.

Executive leadership will need to champion the change, providing clear vision, resources, and support. They will play a pivotal role in maintaining organizational focus, ensuring the communication of progress, and celebrating short-term successes. This visible leadership fosters trust and motivates staff during the transition period.

In the long-term phase, a broader cultural shift will occur. Employees specializing in animal care, logistics, and customer service will require retraining to handle live sea creatures safely and ethically. This necessitates ongoing education and process revisions, supported by leadership that actively promotes a culture of innovation and adaptation. Managers must oversee this integration, ensuring compliance and customer satisfaction, while executives focus on strategic growth and long-term sustainability.

Overall, applying structured change management models minimizes disruption, reduces resistance, and clarifies roles at each stage, creating a cohesive transformation. This structured approach ultimately positions Sea Treasures to compete effectively in a digital marketplace, sustain its heritage, and expand its customer base beyond traditional retail.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adopting Kotter’s 8-Step Change Model for the immediate implementation of the online store provides a focused, quick-win strategy essential for revitalization. In contrast, Lewin’s Change Management Model offers a comprehensive framework suited for the broader, systemic cultural change necessary for long-term success. Together, these models facilitate a phased, manageable transition that aligns with organizational goals, mitigates resistance, and fosters sustainable growth. Effective leadership, clear communication, and staff engagement are critical components across both phases to ensure a smooth transformation and a resilient, forward-looking Sea Treasures.

References

• Cameron, E., & Green, M. (2019). Making sense of change management: A complete guide to the models, tools, and techniques (4th ed.). Kogan Page.
• Lewin, K. (1951). Field theory in social science. Harper & Brothers.
• Kotter, J. P. (1996). Leading change. Harvard Business Review Press.
• Hiatt, J. (2006). ADKAR: A model for change in business, government, and our community. Prosci Research.
• Burnes, B. (2017). Managing change: A strategic approach to organizational dynamics. Routledge.