Chap 4.4: Force Field Analysis

Front

Define FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS

Back

A theoretical model that determines if businesses should proceed with a proposed change by examining factors that promote or hinder success.

Front

Define DRIVING FORCES

Back

Factors that promote and support business change, pushing for the change to occur.

Front

Define RESTRAINING FORCES

Back

Factors that resist a business change by stopping, blocking, or hindering the change process.

Front

List 4 steps of the Force Field Analysis

Back

Step 1: WEIGHTING (Scoring driving and restraining forces)
Step 2: RANKING (Arranging forces by value)
Step 3: IMPLEMENTING (Strengthening DF or eliminating RF)
Step 4: EVALUATING (Determining success of the change)

Front

Step 1: Weighting

Back

The process of identifying the driving and restraining forces, then assigning a score relative to the perceived strength of the force.

A low score (1) suggests a weak force

A high score (5) suggests a strong force.

Front

Step 2: Ranking

Back

Based on the score allocated, forces are placed in order from the most important to the least important.

Total up the score of driving forces (DF) and restraining forces (RF).

DF must outweigh RF for the change to be implemented.

Front

Step 3: Implementing

Back

Actions taken to strengthen driving forces, reduce or eliminate restraining forces, and implement the actual change.

During the actual execution of the change, an action plan that details:

·       what needs to be done

·       who is responsible

·       the resources required

·       deadlines for task completion

can be created to support the implementation of the change.

Front

Step 4: Evaluating

Back

Once a decision is made, the business must continue to monitor the situation to ensure the decision was correct.

They can do this by comparing the actual change to the anticipated change and determining whether further action needs to be taken.

Front

Benefits of a Force Field Analysis

Back

- Weighs factors 'for and against' change. - Identifies and strengthens driving forces. - Allows stakeholders to see change perspectives. - Develops timelines and identifies resource needs. - Identifies skill requirements and training needs. - Identifies inadequate systems for redesign. - Visual aid for communication. - Identifies supportive and restraining individuals.

Front

Limitations of a Force Field Analysis

Back

- Driving and restraining forces may be missed. - Subjective weightings and biases. - Timelines may not consider unexpected events. - May require additional training for management.