However, in the past 20 years, lewins approach to change, particularly the 3step model, has attracted major criticisms. Lewin, a physicist as well as a social scientist, explained organizational change using the analogy of changing the shape of a block of ice. Organizations that handle change well thrive, whilst those that do not may struggle to survive. Lewin one of the earliest change models was developed by kurt lewin. Unfreeze this is the first step in this change theory. Lewins change theory fits well with health care changes. According to burnes 2004 and armstrong 2006 this model is referred to as the 3step model developed in 1947 and referenced in his field theory in social science lewin, 1951. Pdf kurt lewins process model for organizational change. Kurt lewin is widely considered the founding father of change management, with his unfreeze change refreeze or changing as three steps cats see figure 1 above regarded as the fundamental or classic approach to, or classic paradigm for, managing. Kurt lewins process model for organizational change. His model is known as unfreeze change refreeze, which refers to the threestage process of change that he describes. Changing does not depend on size and age but occurs thoroughly in all businesses. A reappraisal bernard burnes manchester school of management the work of kurt lewin dominated the theory and practice of change management for over 40 years. Lewin s planned change model fails to take into consideration the radical or transformational change.