FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS

Definition - Force Field Analysis is a method for listing and evaluating the forces for and
against a situation. It helps you analyze all of the forces that have an influence on the current
situation. Human behavior is caused by forces – beliefs, expectations, cultural norms, etc. Some
of these forces are positive, pushing us forward, and some of these forces are negative,
preventing us from achieving a set goal. A force field analysis diagram demonstrates these
driving forces and restraining forces that would influence a problem. A force field diagram can
be used in all kinds of situations that occur in life from different points of view.

Steps of Force Field analysis

1. Define the change you want to see. Write down the goal or vision of a future desired
state. Or you might prefer to understand the present status quo or equilibrium.
2. Brainstorm or Mind Map the Driving Forces - those that are favorable to change.
Record these on a force field diagram.

3. Brainstorm or Mind Map the Restraining Forces - those that are unfavorable to, or
oppose change. Record these on the force field diagram.

4. Evaluate the Driving and Restraining forces. You can do this by rating each force, from
1 (weak) to 5 (strong), and total each side. Or you can leave the numbers out completely
and focus holistically on the impact each has.

5. Review the forces. Decide which of the forces have some flexibility for change or which
can be influenced.

6. Strategize! Create a strategy to strengthen the driving forces or weaken the restraining

forces, or both. If you've rated each force how can you raise the scores of the Driving
Forces or lower the scores of the Restraining Forces, or both?

7. Prioritize action steps. What action steps can you take that will achieve the greatest
impact? Identify the resources you will need and decide how to implement the action
steps. 

Objective of Force Field Analysis

1. Determine whether proposed change practical or not

2. Identify obstacles and disadvantages to the desired result
3. Help come up with solutions to reduce the influence of the obstacles

Advantages of Force Field Analysis

1. On A Force Field Analysis provides a visual summary of various forces for and against a
particular change, with all the information that has been collected regarding a potential
decision into a single graph.

2. Force Field Analysis help us identify obstacles that lie ahead so that we can make a plan
to strengthen the forces supporting the decision and take actions to reduce or avoid the
forces preventing it.

3. A Force Field Analysis Diagram can be used as a visual aid, and it will help simplify
communication among the staff and to break down communication barriers.
 4. A Force Field Analysis diagram can assist the group to develop a common understanding
of the subject, and all the groups members will have a clear concept of the opinions and the
options related to the situation.

Disadvantages of Force Field Analysis

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Another potential problem is that 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.