What is the primary focus of the refreeze stage in the Lewis Change Model?

The primary focus of the refreeze stage in the Lewis Change Model is indeed to ensure that the change is permanent and becomes a new habit. This stage is essential because, after the implementation of a change, organizations must solidify the new behaviors, practices, and processes to prevent regression to old ways. The goal is to create stability and reinforce the desired changes so that they are integrated into the culture of the organization.

During this stage, strategies could include reinforcing the change through ongoing support, training, and communicating the benefits of the new processes to all stakeholders involved. This solidification helps individuals adapt fully and move forward, ensuring that the change is sustainable over the long-term and becomes part of the organizational identity.

The effectiveness of the changes is typically assessed in earlier stages, and planning for the new processes occurs during the transition phases of change. Therefore, the focus during the refreeze stage is not on planning or assessment, but rather on embedding the change to solidify it within the organization's operations.