Force Field Analysis

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Cards (8)

  • Definition - Examines the forces that drive, and resist change.
  • Background - When making a strategic choice there will always be forces and factors involved, that need to be weighed and considered. This tool helps in such cases.
  • Definition - Shows the relative weight of the forces for and against a decision.
  • For change to occur there must be an increase in the forces pushing for change or a decrease in the forces preventing change.
  • Steps
    1. Managers identify the driving and restraining forces in any potential change situation.
    2. These forces are weighed in terms of their relative importance.
    3. The weighting goes from 1 (least significant) to 5 (most significant).
    4. If the sum of the restraining forces is greater than the driving forces, it suggests that the change would not be successful.
  • If the sum of the restraining forces is greater than the driving forces, it suggests that the change would not be successful.
    1. Managers can either abandon the plan or attempt to increase driving forces or reduce restraining forces, to enable the change to go ahead.
    2. Attempts to reduce can be made by incentivizing employees and/or looking for cheaper alternatives.
    3. The weighting of forces might change with time as competitive pressure builds.
  • Pros
    • Helps objectify the overall decision of what to do regarding the change. Whether to go through with it or not. As, it visually represents the forces involved in the change, clearly identifying wether they are, for or against.
    • Makes managers quantify the forces by assigning weightings, according to their relative importance. Which helps clarify their thinking, and to develop an appropriate plan to bring the change about.
  • Cons
    • It is very subjective when it comes to assigning the weightings for the forces. Due to which this tool does not necessarily completely reduce the risks the business might face due to the change.
    • If a restraining force has been overlooked, the manager might make a wrong decision, possibly negatively impacting the business.
    • The forces need to be constantly reviewed, as factors that drive or restrain change evolve with changes in the internal and external environment.