Force Field Analysis

Defining Force Field Analysis

• Developed by Kurt Lewin, Force Field Analysis is a useful decision-making tool used to analyse the forces that can influence a change.
• It visually lists all the forces for and against a decision, enabling a business to devise a strategy for influencing the change.

Components of Force Field Analysis

• Driving forces: These are the positive, encouraging forces that promote the change. Examples could include technological advancements, competitive advantage, or increased profitability.
• Restraining forces: These are the forces resisting the change, such as lack of resources, resistance from employees, or regulatory constraints.

Conducting a Force Field Analysis

• Identify the change to be analysed and define it clearly.
• List all the driving forces for the change and rate them in terms of their strength, typically on a scale of 1 to 5.
• Do the same for restraining forces.
• Draw a Force Field Diagram representing the forces, using arrows to indicate the direction and magnitude of the force. The length or weight of the arrow can indicate the strength of the force.
• Analyses the outcome: If the driving forces are stronger, the change is likely viable. If restraining forces dominate, strategies must be devised to shift the balance in favour of driving forces.

Applying Force Field Analysis

• This tool provides visual insights into the challenges and advantages a strategy can have.
• It encourages a business to proactively address restraining forces and reinforce driving forces.
• It allows for a systematic and in-depth review of potential obstacles and enablers before implementation begins.

Limitations of Force Field Analysis

• The success of this tool is largely dependent on accurate identification and assessment of forces. Any missed force could lead to an incorrect analysis.
• The rating of forces is subjective and can differ greatly between decision-makers.
• Force Field Analysis considers all forces as static and does not account for changes in environment or circumstances during the process of implementing change.

When used alongside other strategic tools, Force Field Analysis can provide a balanced and comprehensive view of potential strategy options. Always consider the limitations and try to reduce bias in rating forces to ensure an accurate and effective analysis.