Force Field Analysis

On Monday the School Growth Team at my school held a meeting to discuss a Force Field Analysis. I thought the process was extremely valuable and wanted to share an overview of what a Force Field Analysis is and how it can be used in an elementary school setting. 

What Is a Force Field Analysis?

A Force Field Analysis is an effective technique used to analyze and drive change within a school. It was developed by psychologist Kurt Lewin, an innovator of the study of social organizational science. It is a tool that develops actions that help achieve a desired state.

What Is a Desired State?

A desired state is a goal. According to businessdictionary.com, “when reorganizing a business or an investment portfolio, it is crucial to keep its desired state firmly in mind in order to maximize the overall efficiency of the restructuring process.”

How Is a Force Field Analysis Conducted?

For a Force Field Analysis to work, a desired state must first be established. Once the desired state has been created, factors that impact the desired state are identified through a brainstorm. These factors are known as driving and/or restraining forces. Driving forces are those factors that promote change, while resisting forces maintain the status quo and inhibit change. These forces are always in play and affect movement toward the desired state.

In order to move toward a desired state, driving forces must increase and restraining forces must decrease. According to Lewin, the most effective way to move toward a desired state is to remove restraining forces. The driving forces already in place within the organization will naturally move the organization toward the desired state once restraining forces have been reduced or eliminated.

Once the driving and restraining forces have been identified, evidence must be cited as proof of a problem. Next, the actions of the organization will be determined. These actions need to take into account driving and restraining forces. Actions that help remove restraining forces are a top priority for an organization because once they removed, driving forces can propel an organization toward a desired state. Data can be used to progress monitor the actions thus ensuring forces are eliminated and/or developed.  

How Do You Use a Force Field Analysis Tool?

1. Describe desired state
2. Identify forces for change on left column
3. List forces against change on the right column.
4. Assign score to each force from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong)
5. Use evidence to verify forces
6. Plan actions