What is stage 0 (zero) of the concerns-based adoption model?

The Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) outlines seven developmental stages of concern that individuals experience when implementing an innovation. Stage 0, the initial and lowest level, is "Awareness." At this stage, the individual has little knowledge of or involvement with the innovation. Their concern is negligible because the change is not yet a personal reality or focus for them. They might have heard about it, but it holds no relevance to their current tasks or responsibilities. This stage is characterized by a general lack of engagement or expressed concern about the innovation.

A. Shock. This is an emotional reaction often associated with models like the Kübler-Ross change curve, not a defined stage within the CBAM framework.
B. Definition. While individuals may seek to define a change, "Definition" is not a formal name for any of the seven stages of concern in the CBAM model.
C. Initial change. This describes an event or the beginning of a process, not a psychological stage of concern that an individual experiences as defined by CBAM.

1. Hall

G. E.

& Hord

S. M. (2020). Implementing change: Patterns

principles

and potholes (5th ed.). Pearson. In Chapter 4

"Concerns: The Feelings of Change

" the authors define Stage 0 as Awareness

stating

"Little concern about or involvement with the innovation is indicated" (p. 71

Table 4.1).

2. Hall

G. E.

Wallace

R. C.

& Dossett

W. A. (1973). A developmental conceptualization of the adoption process within educational institutions. Research and Development Center for Teacher Education

The University of Texas at Austin. The original paper establishes the seven Stages of Concern

with Stage 0 identified as "Awareness" (p. 6).

3. Anderson

S. E. (1997). Understanding Teacher Change: The Concerns-Based Adoption Model. University of Northern Colorado Courseware

EDRS 631. This course material outlines the CBAM framework

explicitly listing "Stage 0: Awareness" as the first stage where the individual indicates little concern or involvement with the innovation.