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Navigating Organizational Transformations: A Single-Case Study on Change Management Frameworks

Rodriguez Villanueva, Laura LU and Schwarz, Annika Helene LU (2025) BUSN09 20251
Department of Business Administration
Abstract
In an increasingly dynamic and complex business environment, organizations must develop the capacity to effectively adapt to continuous change to remain competitive. Many organizations are facing a significant disconnection between realizing the need for change and being able to successfully implement it, underlining the need for structured change management approaches in driving change initiatives successfully. This thesis explores how established change management frameworks, in particular, ADKAR, Kotter’s 8-Step Model, and McKinsey’s 7S Framework, support transformational change processes, while acknowledging the importance of
sustainability. These frameworks help build the skills necessary to drive change, and provide guidance to... (More)
In an increasingly dynamic and complex business environment, organizations must develop the capacity to effectively adapt to continuous change to remain competitive. Many organizations are facing a significant disconnection between realizing the need for change and being able to successfully implement it, underlining the need for structured change management approaches in driving change initiatives successfully. This thesis explores how established change management frameworks, in particular, ADKAR, Kotter’s 8-Step Model, and McKinsey’s 7S Framework, support transformational change processes, while acknowledging the importance of
sustainability. These frameworks help build the skills necessary to drive change, and provide guidance to sustain transformation over the long term.

To address the research purpose, a qualitative single-case study was conducted. The study employed in-depth semi-structured interviews, consisting of eleven employees to gain in-depth insights into organizational change dynamics, leadership perspectives, and sustainability
considerations. The findings of this thesis suggest that the ADKAR model, complemented by Kotter’s communication and leadership orientation, provides the most effective approach to managing change processes in complex organizational environments. Sustainability, while recognized as a broader strategic concern, its importance within change management practices remains limited, playing a secondary role in shaping day-to-day change initiatives. This study
contributes to change management literature by offering a comparative perspective on established frameworks and providing practical insights for organizations seeking to enhance their change management capabilities, helping them to better navigate transformational processes and improve long-term adaptability. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Rodriguez Villanueva, Laura LU and Schwarz, Annika Helene LU
supervisor
organization
course
BUSN09 20251
year
type
H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
subject
keywords
Change Management, Organizational Transformation, ADKAR, Kotter’s 8-Step Model, McKinsey 7S Framework, Sustainability.
language
English
id
9202765
date added to LUP
2025-06-19 14:09:22
date last changed
2025-06-19 14:09:22
@misc{9202765,
  abstract     = {{In an increasingly dynamic and complex business environment, organizations must develop the capacity to effectively adapt to continuous change to remain competitive. Many organizations are facing a significant disconnection between realizing the need for change and being able to successfully implement it, underlining the need for structured change management approaches in driving change initiatives successfully. This thesis explores how established change management frameworks, in particular, ADKAR, Kotter’s 8-Step Model, and McKinsey’s 7S Framework, support transformational change processes, while acknowledging the importance of 
sustainability. These frameworks help build the skills necessary to drive change, and provide guidance to sustain transformation over the long term.

To address the research purpose, a qualitative single-case study was conducted. The study employed in-depth semi-structured interviews, consisting of eleven employees to gain in-depth insights into organizational change dynamics, leadership perspectives, and sustainability 
considerations. The findings of this thesis suggest that the ADKAR model, complemented by Kotter’s communication and leadership orientation, provides the most effective approach to managing change processes in complex organizational environments. Sustainability, while recognized as a broader strategic concern, its importance within change management practices remains limited, playing a secondary role in shaping day-to-day change initiatives. This study 
contributes to change management literature by offering a comparative perspective on established frameworks and providing practical insights for organizations seeking to enhance their change management capabilities, helping them to better navigate transformational processes and improve long-term adaptability.}},
  author       = {{Rodriguez Villanueva, Laura and Schwarz, Annika Helene}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Navigating Organizational Transformations: A Single-Case Study on Change Management Frameworks}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}