A force field analysis is a decision-making technique developed by Kurt Lewin that allows individuals or groups to make informed decisions by weighing the driving and restraining forces related to a change or decision.
It is a visual tool that allows for systematic problem-solving and decision-making.
Here is a guide on force field analysis and decision-making.
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Background on Force Field Analysis
Psychologist Kurt Lewin created force field analysis in the 1940s.
It is based on Lewin’s field theory, which sees human behavior as the result of forces that drive and forces that restrain behavior.
A force field analysis allows you to examine the factors for and against a change to make better decisions.
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Maximizing Decision-Making with Force Field Analysis
A force field analysis is a valuable decision-making tool when you need to:
- Evaluate the pros and cons of a decision or proposed change.
- Identify barriers to change and find solutions to overcome them.
- Build consensus around a decision within a team or group.
- Prioritize driving and restraining forces to focus your efforts.
- Visualize complex decisions to gain new insights.
It is best used for analyzing complex problems with multiple factors at play. The visual diagram lets you see all the forces impacting a decision in one place.
The Value of a Force Field Analysis
Conducting a force field analysis provides several benefits:
- Visual representation – The diagram format lets you map out the forces for and against a decision or change.
- Identification of key factors – Highlights the main driving and restraining forces so you can focus on the factors that matter most.
- Builds understanding – Discussion and analysis of the forces deepens knowledge of the change and its impacts.
- Aids group decisions – Allows groups to analyze the pros and cons and build agreement collectively.
- Focuses efforts – Shows where to target efforts to maximize driving forces and minimize resisting forces.
Features and Benefits of Force Field Analysis
Features:
- Simple and flexible visualization tool.
- Works for both group and individual decisions.
- Focuses on the key opposing forces.
- Adaptable to many types of decisions and changes.
Benefits:
- Clarifies complex decisions.
- Provides structure for decision analysis.
- Promotes discussion and buy-in.
- Identifies barriers and solutions.
- Shows where to focus efforts for change.
5 Tips for Using a Force Field Analysis
- Define the decision or change to analyze – Be specific in defining the goal or proposed change.
- Brainstorm the driving and restraining forces – Identify all the major factors influencing the decision.
- Rate each force – Rank each from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong) to prioritize.
- Visualize the analysis – Map out the forces with arrows showing strength.
- Identify actions – Develop strategies to reduce restraining forces and increase driving forces.
How to Conduct a Force Field Analysis in 5 Steps
- Define the proposed change or decision to be analyzed.
- Identify driving forces that support the change. List them on the left.
- Identify restraining forces that work against the change. List them on the right.
- Rate each force from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong).
- Develop actions to reduce restraining forces and increase driving forces.
Example of a Force Field Analysis
Company A is considering expanding to a new market.
Driving Forces
- Increased revenue potential (5).
- Strategic growth opportunity (4).
- Leverage core competencies (3).
- Build market share (2).
Restraining Forces
- High initial investment required (5).
- Lack of customer data in new markets (4).
- Strains current resources and staff (3).
- Competitive landscape unknowns (2).
Based on this analysis, Company A pursues the expansion by allocating budget for market research to reduce unknowns and plans hiring to add staff capacity.
Conclusion
A force field analysis is a useful visualization tool for making informed decisions when multiple factors are involved.
It allows you to systematically analyze the forces for and against a proposed change to identify the key influences, barriers, and solutions.
Conducting a force field analysis leads to understanding of all sides of a decision and drives discussion toward action.
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With 30+ years of experience, Catherine Fitzgerald, B.A., M.A., PGDip, founded Oak Innovation in 1995. Catherine received her Bachelor’s degree and Master’s from University College Cork. She holds qualifications in Professional Development And Training from University College Galway. She is completing a second Master’s from University College Cork. Since 1995, clients include Apple, Time Warner, and Harvard University.