Understanding the Differences Between the Change Style Indicator (CSI) and CSI 2

The Change Style Indicator® (CSI) has long been a valuable tool for assessing individual change preferences. With the launch of the Change Style Indicator® Second Edition (CSI 2), Multi-Health Systems (MHS) has refined and improved the assessment to make it even more accessible and insightful.

Below, we explore the key differences between CSI and CSI 2, helping practitioners, coaches, and business leaders understand the enhancements and how they can benefit their teams.

1. Updated Assessment Items for Cultural Sensitivity

While the CSI and CSI 2 both contain 20 items, the new edition has undergone a thorough linguistic review to ensure the items are culturally sensitive and widely applicable. Some original CSI items have been updated in CSI 2 based on this review, making the tool more inclusive and globally relevant.

2. Expanded Global Norm Sample

A critical improvement in CSI 2 is its updated global norm sample.

• The original CSI was based on a norm sample of 58,362 individuals.
• The CSI 2 now boasts a significantly larger norm sample of 96,427 individuals, ensuring a more robust and reliable assessment.

This expanded dataset provides a more accurate reflection of diverse workplace populations and strengthens the assessment’s validity.

3. Enhanced Reporting for Practical Application

While the original CSI provided Individual and Group Reports, CSI 2 offers a more modernised Individual Report with new features, including:

• A section on improving collaboration
• Leadership insights
• Practical strategies for handling change

Additionally, a CSI 2 Group Report is in development, further extending the tool’s usability for teams and organisations.

4. The Introduction of a Comprehensive User Manual

A significant addition to CSI 2 is the introduction of a User’s Manual. This manual provides:

• Detailed theoretical background of the tool
• Best practices for administration
• Norming, reliability, and validity insights
• Fairness analysis

This manual serves as a valuable resource for practitioners looking to deepen their understanding of change styles and how to apply the assessment effectively.

5. More Accessible Administration Options

CSI 2 has been designed with greater flexibility in mind.

• The original CSI was available online or via paper administration.
• CSI 2 remains online based but is streamlined for easier use, ensuring seamless administration across different settings.

6. No Mandatory Certification Requirement

One of the biggest changes in CSI 2 is the removal of the mandatory certification requirement.

• The original CSI required certification to administer the tool.
• CSI 2 eliminates this requirement, making the tool more accessible to a wider range of users.

This shift expands the reach of the assessment, allowing more professionals to integrate it into their coaching, leadership, and change management practices.

7. Self-Service Training Modules for Support

Although certification is no longer mandatory, CSI 2 offers optional training resources via interactive self-service training modules.

These modules cover:

• CSI 2 overview and administration
• Report interpretation
• Introduction to psychometrics
• Maximising the effectiveness of each change style
• A case study and group activities

This allows users to develop expertise at their own pace while maintaining high standards of assessment use.

Why Choose CSI 2?

With its updated assessment items, expanded norm sample, improved reporting, and accessibility, CSI 2 is an enhanced tool for organisations and leadership development programs.

Professionals value its straightforward yet research-backed framework, making it useful in:

• Team-building exercises
• Leadership development
• Organisational change initiatives

By removing barriers like certification and adding practical insights, CSI 2 makes change style assessments more relevant and actionable than ever before.

Final Thoughts

The CSI 2 represents a significant upgrade to the original CSI, with improvements in cultural sensitivity, norming, reporting, and accessibility. Whether you’re a leader, coach, or HR professional, this updated tool provides a more comprehensive and flexible approach to understanding and leveraging change styles in the workplace.

If you’re looking to integrate CSI 2 into your organisation’s leadership and change management strategy, now is the perfect time to explore its benefits!

Want to learn more? Reach out to us today or review our website for more information.

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