Which statement best describes first-order change?

• A. Incremental, small-scale, fine-tuning, and developmental.
• B. Radical, transformational, and frame bending.
• C. No change at all.
• D. Only technology-focused changes.

Answer: (A)

First-order change is about making small, gradual adjustments within the existing system. It focuses on incremental improvements, fine-tuning processes, and developing capabilities without changing the organization's underlying structure, goals, or mindset. This aligns with describing change as incremental, small-scale, fine-tuning, and developmental.

In contrast, the other descriptions point to a different kind of shift: radical, transformational changes that alter core assumptions or structures (second-order change), or simply no change at all. Saying the change is only technology-focused is not the defining feature of first-order change, since first-order change can involve process tweaks across areas, not just technology.