Force Field Analysis
How to interpret the diagram:
It weighs out the pros and cons of both the driving and resisting forces and shows in a diagram with use of arrows which decision is to be made. If the driving forces are not are not as great as the resisting forces, the decision does not go through. However if the driving forces are higher than the resisting forces, the decision goes through.
What is the purpose of Force Field Analysis
Analysing the factors found in complex problems and frames them in terms of factors that support or pressure against the desired decision.
What is a driving force?
The benefits the decision brings to the company.
Advantages of Force Field Analysis
The force field diagram helps managers weigh up importance of two types of forces. Helps identify the people most likely to be affected by the change. It encourages an examination of how to strengthen the forces supporting the decision and reduce the forces opened to it. It reduces opposition and resistance to change is highlighted as being more effective than forcing through unpopular changes in an autocratic manner.
What is a resisting force?
The problems the decision brings to the company.
What impact does Force Field Analysis have on decision making?
provides a visual summary of all factors and uses collected factors and decisions to consolidate into a single graph.
Who invented the Force Field Analysis method?
Kurt Lewin
Disadvantages of Force Field Analysis
Requires every group member to participate so that they can have all the information needed for a better analysis, which can be difficult to achieve. Unlike other methods, when full participation isn't possible, it would be difficult to provide a complete picture of the driving forces and restraining forces. Force Field Analysis may have a bad influence on team work. Because a force field analysis may lead to a division in the group between those who support the change and those who are against the change.
