Change Agents 

📘 Overview

This one-week unit introduces students to Change Agents as central figures in the change process. The session defines who change agents are, explores their core roles and qualities, and outlines various types of change agents. Students also examine resistance to change, strategies to manage resistance, and two key theoretical frameworks: Lewin’s Three-Step Change Model and Diffusion of Innovations Theory. Practical models of how change spreads (linear, cascading, ripple) are also discussed. 

🎯 Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module, participants will be able to:

• Define who a change agent is and differentiate between internal and external change agents.

• Identify and describe the ten roles of a successful change agent.

• Analyze the challenges and sources of resistance to change and how agents address them.

• Apply Lewin’s Three-Step Change Model to real-world scenarios.

• Describe how innovations diffuse across organizations using Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory.

• Compare the ripple, cascading, and linear models of change propagation.

📅 Learning Activities 

• Read core slides:
  “Definition of Change Agents,”
  “Roles & Qualities,”
  “Types of Change Agents,”
  “Resistance to Change,”
  “Lewin’s Model,” and
  “Diffusion of Innovations.”

• Mini Group Discussions:
  Topic 1: "How do internal and external change agents differ in practice? What advantages or challenges do they each face?"
  Topic 2: "Which quality is most important for a successful change agent, and why?"

• Group Exercise: “Change Simulation”
  Pick a scenario (e.g., digital transition in a school, inclusive education policy, or NGO restructuring).
  In small groups, assign roles (internal leader, consultant, employee advocate) and simulate a change process using Lewin’s 3-Step Model. Document resistance points and proposed solutions.

• Mapping Activity:
  Create a flow diagram illustrating how an innovation spreads using one of the three models (ripple, cascading, or linear). Present to the class.

📚 Suggested Reading List 

Lewin, K. (1947). Frontiers in group dynamics.

Rogers, E. M. (2003). Diffusion of Innovations (5th ed.). Free Press.

Carnall, C. A. (2007). Managing Change in Organizations.

Change Agent Roles and Resistance (in-slide readings)

📝 Likely Exam Question (Critical Thinking Prompt) 

• "In your opinion, which single quality is most important for a successful change agent? Justify your answer with examples from real-life or theoretical contexts." 📝