Which term describes the time required to recover the costs of change?

The term that describes the time required to recover the costs of change is the payback period. This financial metric indicates how long it will take for an investment to generate enough cash flows or benefits to cover its initial cost. In the context of change management or project initiatives, the payback period helps stakeholders assess the viability and effectiveness of the proposed changes by understanding how quickly they can expect to recoup their investment.

Identifying the payback period allows businesses and individuals to make informed decisions regarding which projects to pursue based on the anticipated financial return and the timeline for recovery. A shorter payback period typically indicates a more advantageous investment, making it a crucial element in evaluating the financial impacts of changes within an organization.