Unravelling the Complexity Puzzle: Evaluating the Relevance of Traditional Change Management Models in a Complex Environment

Abstract: Traditional change management models have been widely used to manage organisational change. However, this integrative literature review paper questions their relevance in environments characterised by complexity due to the intricate nature of challenges and uncertainties in these contexts. A novel framework is developed, encompassing key elements required to facilitate change in complex environments. The proposed framework emphasises the importance of innovation, adaptability, collaboration and openness, action-orientation as well as reflection and observation as crucial components. To validate the framework, the study applies it to the integrative literature review of three traditional change management models: Lewin’s three-step model, Kotter’s eight-step model and the ADKAR model. The analysis revealed that none of the included models fully meet the criteria for facilitating change in complex environments, as they all lacked an element of adaptability. Among the evaluated models, the ADKAR model demonstrates the highest level of relevance as it fulfils the other four criteria in the framework. The study concludes by suggesting that organisations operating in complex environments make use of traditional change management models with caution and that our framework could be used as complementary to them. Although further research is needed to evaluate the relevance of more contemporary change management models, this paper serves as a valuable resource for practitioners and scholars seeking to navigate change within complexity effectively.