Final answer:
The Unfreezing stage of Lewin's Change Theory is where motivation for change develops and causes disequilibrium, leading to the reassessment of existing processes in preparation for change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stage of Lewin's Change Theory that represents the period when the desire for change develops due to motivation, either intrinsically or by some external force, causing disequilibrium, is Unfreezing (E). This is the phase where current processes or behaviors are reconsidered, and the need for change is acknowledged and accepted, paving the way for new strategies and the dismantling of the existing status quo.
The Unfreezing stage is critical for overcoming inertia and dismantling existing mindsets within an organization or individual. It often involves an increase in the forces driving change, such as new opportunities, or the elimination or reduction of restraints. This phase is where a detailed assessment is made of what needs to change, why, and how it can be achieved in preparation for the next stage, where the actual change occurs.