The seven-stage model for planned organizational change in criminal justice

Distinguish between unplanned and planned change and then discuss the 7 stage model for planned change.

Change is inevitable, and organizations can either change in a planned or unplanned way. Planned change is deliberate: as when senior management decides on a shift in core values or goals and alters the structure of the organization in order to achieve those goals. Unplanned change occurs when an external stimulus such as a sudden boon or crisis upsets the status quo. Criminal justice organizations ideally plan for change, and a seven-stage model provides an ideal method for visualizing goals and implementing a change-oriented solution.

The seven stages of change that can suit a criminal justice organization include analysis, goal setting, program design, action plan development, implementation plan, evaluation of outcomes, and ultimately, initiating the proposed new design or program (Welsh & Harris, 1999). Analysis of the situation allows the second stage to naturally emerge, as goals need to reflect the need to tackle an identified problem or concern. Goals should be clearly outlined to avoid problems later with implementation of the change.

To effectively plan for change, the criminal justice organization should identify the underlying reasons for the policy change and then develop an action plan based on evidence. The plan for monitoring the program or policy ensures that adequate steps are taken to measure outcomes and ensure that the proposed changes are working.