ABSTRACT

Kurt Lewin developed the concept of the Force Field Analysis after observing group dynamics at work. It is a useful model for managers who need to plan and execute change management in their organisation. Force Field Analysis helps managers to predict the likely response to proposed changes and identify where the greatest resistance may come from. Force Field Analysis suggests that in every social system there are Driving Forces trying to change the current situation and Restraining Forces trying to prevent that change taking place. Some examples are: changes in the market-place, new technology and ways of working, new product development, acquisition of another organisation, and change of strategic direction. When the driving forces and restraining forces are balanced, there is ‘equilibrium’ and change does not occur. To make an organisational change effective, managers therefore need to introduce an imbalance. This can be done by adding or negating forces on either side.