Balogun and Hope Hailey describe four types of change by scope and speed: adaptation (gradual change, culture stays the same), reconstruction (fast change, culture stays), evolution (gradual change of culture) and revolution (fast change of culture). Transformation changes the culture; realignment does not.
The four types
| Type | Scope | Nature | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptation | Realignment (culture stays) | Incremental | New customer service procedures rolled out branch by branch |
| Reconstruction | Realignment | Big bang | Rapid cost-cutting and restructuring after a profit warning |
| Evolution | Transformation (culture changes) | Incremental | A planned, multi-year move to a digital, customer-led culture |
| Revolution | Transformation | Big bang | A fast, forced overhaul of strategy and culture to survive a crisis |
Reconstruction and revolution are often reactive, forced by events. Evolution is usually proactive and planned.
Culture and change
Chapter 19 of the book stresses that culture shapes how change is received. Routines such as morning meetings, a flat or hierarchical structure, and autocratic or democratic power all affect it. Use the cultural web to diagnose culture before choosing an approach.
Managing each type
| Type | Useful models |
|---|---|
| Adaptation | Lewin for each small change |
| Reconstruction | Strong leadership, clear communication, Kotter's urgency step |
| Evolution | Transformational leadership, McKinsey 7S |
| Revolution | Kotter, cultural web, rapid stakeholder management |
Types of change in ACCA SBL
Change sits in syllabus area H. A typical task asks you to identify the type of change an organisation faces and recommend how to manage it. Classify it with reasons (is the culture changing? how fast?), then recommend actions. For Historic Places (March 2025 pre-seen), moving to digital ticketing is adaptation; becoming a digital-first heritage brand would be evolution.
FAQs
What are the four types of change?
Balogun and Hope Hailey's four types are adaptation (incremental realignment), reconstruction (big bang realignment), evolution (incremental transformation) and revolution (big bang transformation).
What is the difference between transformational change and realignment?
Transformational change alters the organisation's culture and core assumptions. Realignment changes how things are done without changing the underlying culture.
What is the difference between incremental and big bang change?
Incremental change happens step by step over time. Big bang change happens all at once, usually in response to a crisis.
What is an example of revolutionary change?
A company facing collapse that changes its culture, strategy and structure quickly, for example a traditional retailer becoming an online-first business within a year to survive.
Which type of change is most common?
Adaptation: small, steady changes within the existing culture, such as new procedures or systems.