ADKAR Model – 5 Steps to Effective Change in an Organization

05 August 2025

The ADKAR Model is a practical change management tool developed by Prosci (Jeff Hiatt). The name comes from the first letters of the five key elements that determine the success of a change - both at the individual and organizational levels. ADKAR is a proven model used in many transformational projects, especially where rapid adaptation and sustainability of results are crucial.

📘 What does the ADKAR acronym mean?

The ADKAR Model consists of five stages:

Letter	Name (EN)	Meaning (PL)
A	Awareness	Awareness of the need for change
D	Desire	Desire to participate in the change
K	Knowledge	Knowledge of how to implement the change
A	Ability	Ability to implement the change
R	Reinforcement	Reinforcement and sustainment of the change

1️⃣ A – Awareness (Awareness of the need for change)

🔍 People need to understand why the change is necessary. Without awareness of the purpose, it is difficult to expect motivation to act.

📌 Example: "Why are we implementing new software?"

✅ Tools:
• Strategic communication
• Informational meetings
• Leadership presentations

2️⃣ D – Desire (Desire to participate in the change)

❤️ It is the internal motivation of individuals to support the change and actively participate in it.

📌 Example: "Do I want to learn the new system?"

✅ Tools:
• Support from superiors
• Emotional engagement
• Showing personal benefits

3️⃣ K – Knowledge (Knowledge of how to implement the change)

🧠 Even if people desire change - they need to know how to implement it. This stage involves learning and substantive preparation.

📌 Example: "How to use the new tool?"

✅ Tools:
• Training and e-learning
• Instructions, manuals
• Mentoring and coaching

4️⃣ A – Ability (Ability to implement the change)

💪 It means practical skill to apply knowledge in daily work.

📌 Example: "Can I effectively use the new process?"

✅ Tools:
• Exercises and simulations
• Feedback and operational support
• Solving real problems

5️⃣ R – Reinforcement (Reinforcement of the change)

🔁 Key step: Maintaining the effects of the change over time. Without this, employees may revert to old habits.

📌 Example: "Will this change stay with us permanently?"

✅ Tools:
• Reward and recognition systems
• Continuous monitoring of progress
• Communication of successes

📊 Summary of the ADKAR model

Stage	What does it mean?	Goal
Awareness	Awareness of the need for change	Understanding the "why"
Desire	Desire to participate	Personal engagement
Knowledge	Knowledge of how to implement the change	Learning, training
Ability	Ability to apply the change	Practical implementation
Reinforcement	Reinforcement	Support, rewards, monitoring

✅ Why use ADKAR?

🧩 Facilitates planning changes at the individual and team levels
🎯 Helps identify gaps in the transformation process
💬 Engages people - increases project success chances
🔄 Combines hard management processes with soft human aspects

📈 Want to effectively manage change? Start with ADKAR!

This approach works well in IT transformations, system implementations, structural changes, and cultural projects.

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