Key Management Development Models

11

Force field analysis

The big picture

Whenever an organisation implements change, there will be external and internal forces that can help that change to be effective or hinder it. Psychologist Kurt Lewin’s simple model is designed to help you and others to understand and manage driving and restraining forces in times of change. Through an analysis of the helpers and barriers, you can see more clearly where to focus your management effort to make the change successful.

Lewin (1890–1947) contended that, unless the forces driving change outweigh those opposing it, no change will ever take place. The force field analysis can be used in times of change to:

• explore the balance of power;
• identify key stakeholders involved in a change;
• identify acceptors ...