Force Field Analysis - understanding the pressures for and
against change
How to Use the Tool:
Force Field Analysis is a useful technique for looking at
all the forces for and against a decision. In effect, it
is a specialized method of weighing pros and cons.
By carrying out the analysis you can plan to strengthen
the forces supporting a decision, and reduce the impact of
opposition to it.
To carry out a force field analysis, follow these steps:
-
List all forces for change in one column, and all forces
against change in another column.
-
Assign a score to each force, from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong).
-
Draw a diagram showing the forces for and against change.
Show the size of each force as a number next to it.
For example, imagine that you are a manager deciding
whether to install new manufacturing equipment in your
factory. You might draw up a force field analysis like the
one in Figure 1:
Once you have carried out an analysis, you can decide
whether your project is viable. In the example above, you
might initially question whether it is worth going ahead
with the plan.
Where you have already decided to carry out a project,
Force Field Analysis can help you to work out how to
improve its probability of success. Here you have two
choices:
Often the most elegant solution is the first: just trying
to force change through may cause its own problems. People
can be uncooperative if change is forced on them.
If you had to implement the project in the example above,
the analysis might suggest a number of changes to the
initial plan:
-
By training staff (increase cost by 1) you could eliminate
fear of technology (reduce fear by 2)
-
It would be useful to show staff that change is necessary
for business survival (new force in favour, +2)
-
Staff could be shown that new machines would introduce
variety and interest to their jobs (new force, +1)
-
You could raise wages to reflect new productivity (cost
+1, loss of overtime -2)
-
Slightly different machines with filters to eliminate
pollution could be installed (environmental impact -1)
These changes would swing the balance from 11:10 (against
the plan), to 8:13 (in favour of the plan).
Key points:
Force Field Analysis is a useful technique for looking at
all the forces for and against a plan. It helps you to
weigh the importance of these factors and decide whether a
plan is worth implementing.
Where you have decided to carry out a plan, Force Field
Analysis helps you identify changes that you could make to
improve it.
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