Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam 2025 - Free CHIMA Practice Questions and Study Guide

Incremental change refers to gradual, step-by-step modifications or improvements made within an organization or system. This type of change is often characterized by its manageable scale and low risk, as it involves small adjustments instead of sweeping reforms.

Planned change is a crucial aspect of incremental change because it is intentional and strategically implemented to achieve specific goals. Organizations typically use this approach to enhance operations, improve processes, or adapt to new technologies in a controlled manner. By focusing on incremental changes, organizations can continuously evolve without disrupting existing structures excessively.

In contrast, other types of changes, such as transformational change, involve significant shifts that can alter the fundamental nature of an organization or system. Unplanned change occurs spontaneously, often in response to unforeseen circumstances, which typically lack the strategic framework that planned changes do. Radical change, on the other hand, encompasses large-scale transformations that could disrupt operations at various levels.

In summary, recognizing incremental change as planned change highlights its methodical approach to continuous improvement while ensuring that organizations can adapt successfully over time.