Force Field Analysis

A force field analysis is another tool to identify drivers and change ideas. It was developed by Kurt Lewin in the 1940s. It places your change in the middle of the diagram with factors for and against the change on each side. It is based on the principle that for any change to be enacted the equilibrium between forces for and against the change need to be disrupted; either the forces for change are strengthened or the forces against the change are removed/weakened. Each force or factor can be individually identified e.g. people/resources/attitudes etc.

At the end of determining the factors you can assign each factor a score between 1 and 5 to determine the strength of that factor in implementing change. 1 indicates a weak factor whereas 5 indicates a strong factor. This can then help identify key areas to target with change ideas.

You may then choose to develop change ideas based on the factors identified on your force field analysis. It will also potentially help you to identify the ‘why’ for the project as the forces supporting the change will generally be beneficial for the population group you are targeting e.g. reduced length of stay, reduced complications etc.