Lewins force field analysis

Question 1

What is a force field analysis

Answer 1

Lewin’s force field analysis theory is a model that helps businesses determine if a proposed change will be successful.
This model identifies and examines factors which promote or hinder the change from being successful. Lewin’s force field analysis theory helps businesses identify factors which influence change. The model has two key principles: driving forces and restraining forces.

Question 2

Key principles of the force field analysis

Answer 2

Change is an ever present consideration for modern day businesses and managers need to be prepared for the transformation process and to guide their stakeholders through this as smoothly as possible.
•	Failure to do this can lead to:
o	Employee resentment
o	High staff turnover
o	Low productivity
o	Customer alienation
o	Supplier resistance
o	Share price decline, shareholders vote off CEO
o	Business Failure

Question 3

The process of the analysis

Answer 3

Step 1:
Identify need for change Businesses face internal or external pressures to change. What must be altered to fulfil business objectives and reduce these pressures?

Step 2:
Identify driving forces Which internal and external factors promote the proposed change?

Step 3:
Identify restraining forces Which factors resist the proposed change?
Step 4:
Assign scores Determine the strength of each driving and restraining force by assigning numerical scores that are based on their level of influence on the proposed change.

Step 5:
Analyse and apply

Question 4

Benefits of a force field analysis

Answer 4

• Manages are able to identify and analyse the forces for and against change
• Helps determine if the change is worth pursuing
• Allows manages to develop ways of reducing the restraining forces, e.g. training may help overcome resistance
• Allows actions and timelines to be developed
• Identify stakeholders that will likely be supportive of change and those that may resist change

Question 5

Strengths and weaknesses of a force field analysis

Answer 5

Strengths
• Business can examine if a proposed change will be successful
• Businesses can potentially save time by promoting the main driving forces and limiting the main restraining forces.
• Businesses can potentially save money by only implementing change where success is likely

Weaknesses
• Employees may be unhappy if driving forces exceed restraining forces and change still occurs
• Can be time consuming, especially if a business must go ahead with a change. For example, a change is required for legislation.