Force Field Analysis

Force field analysis is a technique developed by Kurt Lewin to analyze the factors (forces) that influence a situation and drive change. A situation is viewed as being maintained by a balance of driving and restraining forces. Driving forces encourage change while restraining forces discourage it. Equilibrium exists when these sets of opposing forces are balanced. To create change, one must strengthen driving forces or weaken restraining forces to shift the equilibrium in the desired direction. The document provides examples of how force field analysis can be used to evaluate initiatives and consider ways to optimize driving and restraining forces.