This PowerPoint explains how the Force Field Analysis helps to calculate the forces for and against change. It is part of the American Meridian University Series on Quality Systems Management Tools. .

1. American Meridian University
Understanding a Force Field Analysis
Part of The American Meridian University Series On Quality Systems Management Tools
Professor Sharon L. Burton, Director of Publishing Initiatives, American Meridian University
and
Dr. Bob Gee, Founder, American Meridian University

2. Learning Objectives
At the end of this video users should be able to:
• Articulate the usage of a Force Field Analysis
• Explain how to develop a Force Field Analysis
• Demonstrate the development of a Force Field Analysis
© American Meridian University, 06/02/2014 www.amu-edu.com 2

3. What is a Force Field Analysis?
Force Field Analysis is:
• A technique for documenting, deliberating, and appraising
the numerous forces for and against a proposed change
• A decision-making technique
© American Meridian University, 06/02/2014 www.amu-edu.com 3

4. What is the Value of a Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis Helps Users:
• Determine the root cause of a concern
• Reveals congestion in processes
• Understand ‘why’ processes are not working
• Detect areas for data gathering
• Establish reasons for not producing the desired results
• Determine relationships between problems
• Communicate reason(s) for decisions
© American Meridian University, 06/02/2014 www.amu-edu.com 4

5. Creation Time to Allot for the Force Field Analysis
From Start to finish allow 5 hours:
• Data Collection: 1-3 hours
• Diagramming the Force Field Analysis: 1 hour
• Walking through Force Field Analysis with Stakeholders: 1hour
© American Meridian University, 06/02/2014 www.amu-edu.com 5

6. How to Develop a Force Field Analysis?
Weight
Driving Forces
(Positive)
Proposed
Change:
Add to the
strategic
educational
technology
plan, a new
learning
management
system
Restraining Forces
(Negative)
Weight
10 Business units
want new LMS
LMS may be as hard
to use as the
current one
7
9 Improve ability
to track training
Training can be
tracked through
spreadsheets as
usual
7
7 Improve waitlist
tracking
Staff dislike change 5
9 Free up time to
streamline
other processes
New system will
Complicated to
implement
9
9 Cost Cost 6
+ 44 - 34
© American Meridian University, 06/02/2014 www.amu-edu.com 6

7. How to Develop a Force Field Analysis?
Weight
Driving Forces
(Positive)
Proposed
Change:
Add to the
strategic
educational
technology
plan, a new
learning
management
system
Restraining Forces
(Negative)
Weight
10 Business units
want new LMS
LMS may be as hard
to use as the current
one
7
9 Improve ability
to track training
Training can be
tracked through
spreadsheets as
usual
7
7 Improve waitlist
tracking
Staff dislike change 5
9 Free up time to
streamline other
processes
New system will
Complicated to
implement
9
9 Cost Cost 6
+ 44 - 34
© American Meridian University, 06/02/2014 www.amu-edu.com 7

8. How to Develop a Force Field Analysis?
Weight
Driving Forces
(Positive)
Proposed
Change:
Add to the
strategic
educational
technology
plan, a new
learning
management
system
Restraining Forces
(Negative)
Weight
10 Business units
want new LMS
LMS may be as hard
to use as the current
one
7
9 Improve ability
to track training
Training can be
tracked through
spreadsheets as
usual
7
7 Improve waitlist
tracking
Staff dislike change 5
9 Free up time to
streamline other
processes
New system will
Complicated to
implement
9
9 Cost Cost 6
+ 44 - 34
© American Meridian University, 06/02/2014 www.amu-edu.com 8

9. How to Develop a Force Field Analysis?
Driving Force: No action required
Restraining Force:
 Project Manager should involve key stakeholders in
desired changes
 Walk through restraining forces and provide clarity of
changes
 Revisit the opposing forces
 Evaluate LMSs to determine the best one
© American Meridian University, 06/02/2014 www.amu-edu.com 9

10. Bibliography
Card, A. (2013). A new tool for hazard analysis and force-field analysis: The Lovebug
diagram. Clinical Risk, 19(4/5), 87-92. doi:10.1177/1356262213510855
Bauer, J. E., Duffy, G. L., Westcott, R. T. (2006). The Quality Improvement Handbook.
Milwaukee, WI: ASQ Quality Press
Hustedde, R., Score, M., & Community Development, S. Y. (1995). Force-Field
Analysis: Incorporating Critical Thinking in Goal Setting. CD Practice.
Operation Management Conference Paper Abstracts. (2010). Academy of Management
Annual Meeting Proceedings, 1-29. doi:10.5465/AMBPP.2010.54504349
Paquin, J., & Koplyay, T. (2007). Force Field Analysis and Strategic Management: A
Dynamic Approach. Engineering Management Journal, 19(1), 28-37.
Watts, K., & Selman, P. (2004). Forcing the Pace of Biodiversity Action: a force-field
analysis of conservation effort at the 'landscape scale'. Local Environment, 9(1),
5-20. doi:10.1080/135498304000176575
© American Meridian University, 06/02/2014 www.amu-edu.com 10

11. Visit American Meridian University
Thank you for reviewing this educational material.
American Meridian University
http://www.amu-edu.com/
We welcome your questions and comments.
© American Meridian University, 06/02/2014 www.amu-edu.com 11