Business Cases, Options and ScopeResource

Force-Field Analysis

Examining forces supporting and resisting change.

Force-field analysis examines the forces supporting and resisting a proposed change. Participants assess the strength of each force and consider how to strengthen the drivers, reduce the restraints or adapt the proposal.

How to use this tool

  1. Define the proposed change

    Define the proposed change and desired state.

  2. Identify driving and restraining forces

    Identify forces driving and restraining the change.

  3. Rate the relative strengths

    Rate their relative strength using evidence.

  4. Develop actions and assign owners

    Develop actions to strengthen drivers or reduce restraints and assign owners.

References & further reading

Lewin, K. (1951). Field Theory in Social Science. Harper & Brothers.