U4 AOS 1: Force Field Analysis Theory

Question 1

What is force field analysis?

Answer 1

Force field analysis outlines the process of determining which forces drive and which forces resist a proposed change.

Question 2

What are the four steps of force field analysis?

Answer 2

1. Weighing
2. Ranking
3. Implementing a response
4. Evaluating a response

Question 3

What is weighing?

Answer 3

How much impact the current driving and restraining forces have. Rated out of 5.

Question 4

What is ranking?

Answer 4

Order the top restraining and driving forces to eliminate or strengthen them.

Question 5

What is implement a response?

Answer 5

Listing and performing actions to increase weighing of driving forces and decrease weighing of restraining forces.

Question 6

What is evaluating the response?

Answer 6

Effectiveness of altered strengths of forces are determined. This can provide a clear picture of whether or not to move forward with the change.

Question 7

What are the advantages of the force field theory?

Answer 7

• Managers are able to identify and analyse the forces for and against the change
• Helps determine if the change is worth pursuing
• Allows managers to develop ways of reducing the restraining forces. E.g training workers to overcome resistance
• Allows actions and timeline to be developed
• identifies stakeholders that will likely be supportive of the change and those that may resist the change
• Allows stakeholders to identify the change as a positive or negative change from their own perspective
• It can identify inadequate systems so a re-design of systems can be undertaken

Question 8

What are the disadvantages of the force field theory?

Answer 8

• 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
• Unlike other methods, when full participation isn’t possible, it would be difficult to provide a complete picture of driving forces and restraining forces
• May lead to a division in the group between those who support the change and those who are against the change
• Timelines way also may be subjective and not consider unexpected events