Force Field Analysis

Force field analysis is commonly described in training and organization development manuals and handbooks as a useful problem-solving and decision-making tool. It is a very practical technique for mapping forces that [Page 362]impinge on a change situation. Behind this simple technique is a sophisticated and complex theory, which is often missing from accounts.

At the centre of force field analysis is Kurt Lewin’s notion of the force field, which has its origins in physics and usually refers to magnetism or electricity. Lewin used it to understand human behaviour by conceiving that systems exist in a steady state of ‘quasi-stationary equilibrium’. There are two assumptions. One is that every living system is in a state of change, and the other is that all systems are homeostatic; that is, they always tend towards some level of stability or equilibrium. In Lewin’s terms, this equilibrium is kept in balance by a field of forces acting in different directions: some towards change and others towards stability. As long as these forces balance each other, the system remains in equilibrium. If one set of forces becomes stronger than the other, then change either takes place or is resisted so that the status quo remains intact.

Force field analysis is, therefore, a map of a change situation where there are forces driving for change and there are forces restraining change. Driving forces could be a drop in income, competition from other groups or a felt need for change, to take a few examples. Examples of restraining forces could be an unwillingness to move from what is familiar or antagonism towards those promoting the change. Forces may be economic, political, technological, individual or group. They can be rational or irrational, recognized or unrecognized, general or specific. In Lewin’s thinking, the force field is constituted in the present—what forces are actually bearing on a present situation, and what is driving and restraining a move to a desired situation (see Figure 1).

Figure 1 Force Field Analysis

During the Second World War, Lewin was involved in a series of projects that were aimed at changing meat-eating habits. Because of the recession due to the war, there was an effort to promote types of meat such as kidney, liver and heart. The drive to promote these types of meat was necessary because they were perceived as second-rate and somewhat undesirable to be served to families. It was found that what was eaten in households depended on what housewives judged to be appropriate for their families, and therefore, they made the choices of what meat to buy or not. The project consisted of two basic approaches. One group of women was given [Page 363]a lecture on the nutritional value of the meat and provided with information leaflets and recipes; after some months, it was found that 3 per cent of them had changed what they bought for their families. The other group met in smaller groups and discussed topics of general health, the war effort and the problems of getting their families to change their taste habits. The same recipes which were distributed to the other group were offered as optional resources. After the same period, it was found that 32 per cent of them had changed what meat they bought for their families. Lewin’s conclusions were that when the driving forces for change were increased (i.e. lectures to promote the qualities of particular forms of meat, thereby implicitly pressuring the women to change their buying habits), equivalent restraining forces strengthened to resist them. Increasing the driving forces for change did not help change take place. A decrease in the restraining forces (i.e. the group discussions in which the participants talked about their own and their families’ attitudes to the types of meat and how they formed their own conclusions and developed their action plans) helped change take place. Lewin’s key insight was that a focus on reducing restraining forces is more effective in bringing about change than a focus on increasing driving forces. This is the core insight of force field analysis.

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