Force Field Analysis - Force Field Map

What is it?

This is a simple way for evaluating the forces pro and con that are at play with regards to certain change. Typically, this is a change the organization is interested in or faces.

This is a method coming from the field of Social Science and developed by Kurt Lewin.

Dave Gray has introduced a map (Force Field Map), which provides an excellent canvas for having a conversation with all participants in front of a flipchart or whiteboard.

Why use it?

• Change cannot be managed. It can only be facilitated. To facilitate something one has to build sufficient understanding of it
• Organizational systems are complex systems and require system thinking for their understanding. Force field analysis is a way to open the door to systems thinking in situations where organisations are going through change
• Provides a good understanding of the environment, which in turn could allow for Lean Change Management practices to be used for facilitating the change process

Related Practices

• Lean Change Management
• Blast Radius
• Lean Coffee
• Open Space

Origin

Kurt Lewin - Force Field Analysis

Further information

Force Field Analysis on Wikipedia

Force Field Analysis on Gamestorming.com