Formula for change
The formula for change provides a model to assess the relative strengths affecting the likely success of organisational change programs. The formula was created by David Gleicher while he was working at management consultants Arthur D. Little in the early 1960s, refined by Kathie Dannemiller in the 1980s, and further developed by Steve Cady.
Gleicher (original) version: C = A × B × D > X
The original formula, as created by Gleicher and published by Richard Beckhard, is:where:
; C : is change;
; A : is dissatisfaction with the status quo;
; B : is a desired clear state;
; D : is practical steps to the desired state;
; X : is the cost of the change.
Dannemiller version: C = D × V × F > R
Dannemiller reframed the formula with a focus on overcoming resistance to change:This formula poses that three factors must be present for meaningful organizational change to take place. These factors are:
; D : Dissatisfaction with how things are now;
; V : Vision of what is possible;
; F : First concrete steps that can be taken towards the vision. If the product of these three factors is greater than
; R : Resistance,
then change is possible. Because D, V, and F are multiplied, if any one is absent or low, then the product will be zero or low and therefore not capable of overcoming the resistance.
To ensure a successful change it is necessary to use influence and strategic thinking in order to create vision and identify those crucial, early steps towards it. In addition, the organization must recognize and accept the dissatisfaction that exists by listening to the employee voice while sharing industry trends, leadership ideas, best practices and competitor analysis to identify the necessity for change.
Cady version: D × V × F × S > R
This version adds a fourth factor: S for Supports for follow-through that also must be present for sustainable change to happen. Again the factors necessary to overcome resistance to change are:; D
; V
; F
; S
When multiplied, these four factors combine to overcome
; R
Attribution confusion
It is often inaccurately attributed to Richard Beckhard because he published the formula in both versions of his widely read book Organizational Transitions. In the original 1977 version, Beckhard and Harris gave full credit to Gleicher. In the second edition from 1987, they did not even mention Gleicher's name once in the entire book, but did present the equation as a formula for overcoming resistance.Elaine Dickson attributed the formula to Beckhard in 1971, via a National Training Laboratories Institute for Applied Behavioral Science professional OD training program, in her 1982 book Say No, Say Yes to Change: Finding Growth Opportunities in Life's Changes.