Planned Change

defined as change originating from a decision to make a deliberate effort to improve the system and to obtain help of an outside agent in making this improvement. The decision to make a change may be made by the system itself, after experiencing pain (malfunctioning), or discovering the possibility of improvement, or by an outside change agent who observes the need for change in a particular system and takes the initiative in establishing a helping relationship with that system.

Client System - the specific system that is being helped; can also mean any of the following:

a. personality system consists of sub parts: conscious, unconscious, the mind and the body;

b. the groups: families, committee, staffs, clubs and other smaller social unit;

c. the organization: larger social system which comprise the community;welfare agencies, business organizations, educational institutions, religious associations, government bureaus, political parties;

d. the community: made up of interacting sub parts

Outside Agent - professional change agent who works with particular client systems

Lippitt describes two concepts useful in understanding the dynamics of planned change. These are the concepts of change force and resistance force.

A change force is an aspect of the situation which increases the willingness of the client to make a proposed change. It may be rational or irrational, recognized or unrecognized, general or specific. It may originate from the client system, the environment or the change agent.

A resistance force is an aspect of the situation which reduces the willingness of the client system to change. Just like change force it may be rational or irrational, recognized or unrecognized, general or specific. It may originate from the client system, the environment or the change agent.

Reference:

Lee-Mendoza, T. (2008) Social Welfare and Social Work. Central Book Supply