Force Field Analysis
Force Field Analysis
Name
MGT/350: Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision-Making
Instructor
January 8, 2006
Force Field Analysis
In our learning, there are numerous decision-making tools that individuals or companies can choose from to assist them in attempting to come to a final decision in the most practical manner. These tools range from a simple brainstorming tool to scatter, influence, or affinity diagrams. Still, there are many other alternatives out there for an individual or group to explore. In the end, the tool chosen is typically up to the preference of the individual or group that is trying to make the final decision. Some tools are tailored more towards an individual decision, while others are tailored to a company or group. Sometimes the tool chosen can be made from one’s own personal experience, to what the company or team has had the most success with. A commonly used tool is the Force Field Analysis, commonly known as a pros and cons tool. It is a method for listing, identifying, and looking at the various forces for and against a proposal. In effect, it is a more technical approach to the common use of a pros and cons list.
Force field analysis provides “a framework for looking at the factors (forces) that influence a situation, originally social situations. It looks at forces that are either driving movement toward a goal (helping forces) or blocking movement toward a goal (hindering forces).” (Wikipedia, 2005). This principle was developed by Kurt Lewin, who has provdided a significant amount of contribution to the fields of social science, psychology, social psychology, organizational development, process management, and change management.
Force Field Analysis is typically used when a change is planned. Usually, the individual or group using this tool already knows a lot of the facts surrounding the analysis. The tool helps you be helping to look at it from a big picture standpoint and by helping you analyze all...
View Full Essay
