Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis concept was created by Kurt Lewin in 1940. It is a concept used to understand what is needed for change in both the corporate and personal environments. This is a great analysis to use to distinguish and determine which factors within an organization will drive personnel toward or away from a situation within an organization. You can use this concept to help make decision for change within an organization more acceptable.
Why people resist or accept change.
Change can be difficult for most people and making change within an organization is no exception. To understand why people resist or accept change, it is important to understand the values and experiences of the person.
Two forces that determine if we resist or accept change are:
Two forces that determine if we resist or accept change are:
- Developing self-awareness which is considered by many as the foundation for personal growth and success
- Developing and using emotional Intelligence that consist a range of basic skills that will allow us to respond confidently to changing situations.
How to use the Force Field Analysis tool.
First, list all of the factors (forces) for and against your decision to change. Identify as many factors that will influence the change and involve the appropriate individuals in your organization that can give input on the list of factors.
Second, give each factor (force) a score based on its’ influence on the decision to change. Perhaps assign 1 for weak and 5 for strong.
Third, add up the score for both and the one with the greatest number wins! Then take a look at strengthening the forces that support the change and manage the forces against the change for success!
Second, give each factor (force) a score based on its’ influence on the decision to change. Perhaps assign 1 for weak and 5 for strong.
Third, add up the score for both and the one with the greatest number wins! Then take a look at strengthening the forces that support the change and manage the forces against the change for success!
Using the results of the Analysis.
Now you have the results of your analysis it is time to decide if you are ready to act on the results of the analysis. Think about the forces in the organization that will support or not support this decision and how you can strengthen the support for your decision. Example, if you are implementing a new procedure, consider the necessary changes that must be made for your decision to change to be successful i.e. hiring new personnel; training personnel; making additional purchases.
Recommended guiding steps when using the Force Field Analysis:
Recommended guiding steps when using the Force Field Analysis:
- Clearly define the change wanted
- Brainstorm the favorable driving forces for the change
- Brainstorm the unfavorable driving forces for the change
- Evaluate both favorable and unfavorable driving forces
- Review the forces
- Create a strategy to strengthen the forces
Limitations of using the Force Field Analysis.
There are factors within an organization that do not fit well using this concept. Factors like the safety and health of individuals should be seriously considered when making decisions based upon the Force Field Analysis concept/tool.
Also this concept is great when identifying forces that effect decision making and change but it can be very subjective. When making important decisions, it is recommended that additional decision-making tools are used with the Force Field Analysis tool.
Also this concept is great when identifying forces that effect decision making and change but it can be very subjective. When making important decisions, it is recommended that additional decision-making tools are used with the Force Field Analysis tool.