Sample response to Kotter's eight-step model

[Phy124]

This is a sample answer which I just typed regarding a proposed question relating to Kotter's eight-step model for change management.

Organisational change refers to the alteration of an organisation’s workplace or practices.

BHP Billiton was one such organisation who undertook a significant change in its practices and processes, developing alternative, more eco-friendly approaches to coincide with reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

John Kotter proposed an eight step model for reacting to and introducing change into an organisation. The board of director’s of BHP Billiton engaged in a similar process utilizing several of these steps.

The first step of Kotter’s model for change management is to, establish a sense of necessity. This involves examining market opportunities and threats and analysing the competitive environment of the organisation. BHP Billiton CEO’s came to the realization that their organisation was creating a large eco-footprint and was producing greenhouse gas emissions.

Secondly the organisation must form a guiding group. Involved in this step is establishing a group to act as facilitators. These facilitators should have the right authority, recognition and respect within the organisation to effectively guide the change. BHP Billiton established a team described as a ‘steering committee’ to guide the change.

The third step of Kotter’s model is to create a vision. In its simplest form, this step involves proposing ideas for change and deciding on ways in which to achieve them. BHP Billiton decided that they would attempt to decrease their greenhouse gas emission for the greater-good of the environment.

After creating the vision the organisation must then communicate the vision. This involves communicating the ideas which have been put forward and the proposed change to all of whom it involves. A variety of communication channels should be used to ensure all affected people are well-informed. Employees and shareholders of BHP Billiton alike were notified of the proposed changes put forward by the company.

The fifth step is to empower people to fulfill the change. Involved in this step is the rightful delegation of authority, training and development of employees to ensure the change will be ‘coped with’. Although this step was not publicly outlined in BHP Billiton’s implementation of change, it is of a high degree of probability that they did issue the correct training and development to employees of how to undertake processes in an environmentally friendly manner.

Next the organisation should recognize and reward achievements. Employees will need to be appreciated if they are to continue successfully adapting to the change. This step is vitally important in maintaining the new organisational habits. BHP Billiton employees were rewarded with both monetary and non-monetary benefits for successfully adapting and promoting the change.

The seventh step of Kotter’s model is to consolidate improvements. This involves assembling the benefits of the change involved in its operating procedures and systems. Furthermore, the organisation should modify existing policies and procedures which no longer coincide with the change. BHP Billiton altered previous policies and introduced new policies which regarded the environmentally friendly steps which should be taken in certain procedures.

The final step is institutionalising the changes. As the final stage of the process, the organisation should make a clear statement to show the connections between the new procedures and the success of the organisation. BHP Billiton outlined the success of its environmentally friendly change in various articles to promote its new found sustainable operations.


For those of you who have time, could you please analyse this response and inform me on what is good/bad/indifferent, as well as where it can be shortened/lengthened (mainly shortened), because it's 500+ words which in the exam would be very time consuming.

Thanks in advance 

[smithy16]

What was the change management issue? If it was social responsibility, i would define social responsibility as well. But apart from that its very good. Pretty long though, but if your confident of writing that in the time provided, then go for it.

[RossiJ]

What was the change management issue? If it was social responsibility, i would define social responsibility as well. But apart from that its very good. Pretty long though, but if your confident of writing that in the time provided, then go for it.

I wouldn't define the issue, it's really good
Mines twice as long as well don't worry haha

[Phy124]

Thanks for the input. I ended up writing it in a similar length (the 4 steps I wrote about), because I wasn't necessarily pushed for time. Hoping for full marks but I think their is a large possibility of losing 1 or 2.