Change management models for workplace transformation

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how corporate real estate (CRE) leaders can ­proactively support strategic change efforts across a range of corporate initiatives, including workplace change. The authors demonstrate the effectiveness of applying deliberate change management ­models — in particular the ‘eight-step process for leading change’ by John Kotter — along with a next-generation model to guide the change process. A staged approach that addresses emotional engagement is shown to be an essential element of the successful implementation of change. This paper combines a literature review, expert knowledge and case study data. To demonstrate the models in action, case studies of change initiatives at Apollo Education Group (Apollo) are examined and further illustrated using six Fortune 100 sized company case studies of CRE high-performance workplace implementation undertaken in 2011 by Corporate Portfolio Analytics. Using both sets of cases underscores the generalisability of the change management models. The findings show how change management processes that proactively incorporate emotional engagement can be effective in CRE initiatives and other corporate change efforts. Supporting or initiating change management programmes is an important new domain of the CRE function because many operational and process changes impact the physical workplace. Engaging the emotional and operational elements of a change management effort is essential for success. This study is one of very few that includes actual case data about CRE change management programmes. In addition, this is the first paper to test Kotter's model in the context of CRE practices.