SPP Change Management & Execution 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which change management model emphasizes that change unfreezes existing behaviors, transitions to new ones, and then refreezes them?
- Kotter's 8-Step Model
- Lewin's Change Model (Correct answer)
- ADKAR Model
- McKinsey 7-S Framework
Correct answer: Lewin's Change Model
Lewin's Change Model uses three stages—Unfreeze, Change, and Refreeze—to describe how organizations shift from current to desired states.
Question 2: A strategic plan fails during implementation because middle managers undermine the changes. This is best described as resistance from which level?
- Executive sponsors
- External stakeholders
- The permafrost layer (Correct answer)
- Change agents
Correct answer: The permafrost layer
The 'permafrost layer' refers to middle management resistance where directives from top leadership fail to penetrate through to frontline employees.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a change readiness assessment?
- To identify budget overruns
- To measure an organization's capacity and willingness to adopt change (Correct answer)
- To assign accountability for strategic initiatives
- To evaluate competitor responses to change
Correct answer: To measure an organization's capacity and willingness to adopt change
A change readiness assessment evaluates the organization's current capability, culture, and willingness to successfully adopt planned changes.
Question 4: During a large-scale strategic change, which communication approach is most effective for reducing employee anxiety?
- Sending a single comprehensive announcement at the start
- Limiting communication until implementation is finalized
- Providing frequent, transparent, and two-way communication throughout (Correct answer)
- Delegating all communication to frontline supervisors only
Correct answer: Providing frequent, transparent, and two-way communication throughout
Frequent, transparent, and two-way communication reduces uncertainty and builds trust throughout the change process.
Question 5: In the ADKAR model, what does the 'K' stand for?
- Knowledge of how to change (Correct answer)
- Key performance indicators
- Knowledge transfer plan
- Kinetic stakeholder engagement
Correct answer: Knowledge of how to change
In ADKAR, 'K' stands for Knowledge—understanding how to change and what the change entails.
Question 6: Which technique is most appropriate for identifying stakeholders who have high influence but low support for a strategic change?
- SWOT analysis
- Stakeholder mapping/power-interest grid (Correct answer)
- Balanced scorecard
- Root cause analysis
Correct answer: Stakeholder mapping/power-interest grid
A stakeholder mapping grid plots stakeholders by power and interest, helping identify influential opponents who need targeted engagement.
Question 7: What is a 'burning platform' in the context of change management?
- A digital tool for tracking change milestones
- A compelling reason or crisis that makes change urgently necessary (Correct answer)
- A risk register for change-related threats
- A framework for prioritizing strategic initiatives
Correct answer: A compelling reason or crisis that makes change urgently necessary
A 'burning platform' is a metaphor for an urgent, compelling reason that forces an organization to change or face severe consequences.
SPP Change Management & Execution 2
Which change management model emphasizes that change unfreezes existing behaviors, transitions to new ones, and then refreezes them?