Knowledge - The Prosci ADKAR Model

While building knowledge is an important part of change management, successful change does not begin with knowledge. Knowledge is the third milestone in the Prosci ADKAR Model, a simple but effective model for individual change made up of five building blocks of change:

• Awareness
• Desire
• Knowledge
• Ability
• Reinforcement^®

Successful change first builds awareness and desire, and then knowledge. Once individuals have the knowledge to change, they must move through the final milestones of ADKAR, ability and reinforcement.

Two Types of Knowledge

Organizations have a long and rich history with delivering training, and many even have an entire department dedicated to training with specialists that focus on education. However, training is not the only way to develop knowledge.

From a change management perspective, there are two distinct types of knowledge. The first is knowledge on how to change (what to do during the transition), and the second is knowledge on how to perform effectively in the future state (knowledge on the ultimate skills and behaviors needed to support the change). In practice, both of these types of knowledge may be integrated and addressed with a single plan, but as you are documenting and developing training requirements it is important to consider both of these aspects.

Remember, however, that knowledge is only effective when the individual already has awareness and desire. Each of us has been to a training program where we were not sure why we were there in the first place. Without awareness and desire, you cannot effectively create the knowledge that is necessary for a successful change. 

Succeed with the ADKAR eBook Bundle

Explore the five building blocks that make up the ADKAR Model in greater detail and learn how they can help you elevate change success in your organization.

Download All 6 Guides

Building Knowledge

To build knowledge, individuals must have:

• Training and education
• Experience
• Access to information
• Mentoring

 Potential Challenges and Resisting Factors:

• Gap between current knowledge levels and desired knowledge levels
• Insufficient time (conflicting demands)
• Inadequate resources available for training
• Lack of access to the necessary information
• Capacity to learn

Tactics for Building Knowledge:

• Formal training programs
• Job aides
• One-on-one coaching
• User groups and forums
• Troubleshooting guidance         

Without a holistic model for individual change, like the ADKAR Model, teams can easily fall into the trap of simply sending employees to training when a change is being introduced. This rarely drives successful change and can often have negative and lasting impacts on the employees that must bring a change to life in their day-to-day work. Training is critical, but it must occur in the context of all five milestones of individual change.