Force FieldAnalysis Learning Session I April 16, 2004

Force Field Analysis  Analysis tool used to identify forces that help or hinder a change or solution  Helps teams focus on change from the “ current state ” to the “ desired state ”  Highlights both weaknesses and strengths, pros and cons, barriers and opportunities  Determine if change is feasible/viable

Force Field Analysis Applications  Assist in the analysis of cause and effect  Assessment of the strength of opposing forces  Help analyze and prioritize solutions to problems or areas needing improvement

Developing a Force Field Analysis 1) State topic of Force Field Analysis at top of flip chart/board 2) Draw a vertical line in center, write “ Helping Forces ” on the left and “ Hindering Forces ” on the right 3) Explain both forces, those that aid change are helping forces, and those that are barriers hinder change 4) Brainstorm forces for the selected topic and record in their respective category (helping or hindering)

Developing a Force Field Analysis (cont.) 5) Discuss each force,reach consensus on their relative strength. Use simple 1(weak) to 5 (strong) scale 6) Draw arrows pointing to the left for hindering forces and to the right for helping forces, length of arrow varies according to strength of force. 7) The team can now focus on strengthening helping forces or on removing hindering forces

Force Field Analysis Example Helping Forces (+) Hindering Forces (-) Video Check Out Process Improvement Loyal customers Computer affordable Software available Mgt. Wants to change Customers dissatisfied Manual activities No computer expertise Unfriendly employees Store layout Employees turnover Total: 16 Total: 12

Group Activity  Develop a Force Field Analysis: IMPROVE PARKING IN THE MEDICAL CENTER