QPractice question
Which of the following best describes Kotter's 8-Step Change Model?
  1. A.The number of direct reports a manager can effectively supervise — narrow span (3-5) for complex work; wide span (15-20) for routine work.
  2. B.John Kotter's eight-step process — urgency, coalition, vision, communicate, empower, wins, sustain, anchor — for leading large-scale organizational change. ✓
  3. C.Hersey & Blanchard's model: leadership style should adjust based on the follower's development level — directing, coaching, supporting, or delegating.
  4. D.John Kotter's eight-step process — urgency, coalition, vision, communicate, empower, wins, sustain, anchor — for leading large-scale organizational change.
Why this answer:

Kotter's 8-Step Change Model is john Kotter's eight-step process — urgency, coalition, vision, communicate, empower, wins, sustain, anchor — for leading large-scale organizational change. The other options describe related but distinct concepts in Management & Organization — see the deep-dive guide for the full distinction.

How to think about questions like this

70% of change efforts fail; structured process improves the odds. Questions like this test whether you can distinguish Kotter's 8-Step Change Model from neighboring concepts. The most common trap is choosing a closely-related concept that sounds similar but applies in a different context.

When you see a definition question on an exam, do two things: (1) translate the question into your own words, then (2) generate the answer in your own words before reading the options. This avoids the cognitive bias of recognizing a familiar phrase as correct just because it is familiar.

Editor's note Want a deeper walkthrough? Our editors recommend pairing this with Kotter's 8-Step Change Model for a worked example you can adapt to your assignment.