Force Field Analysis

Worksheet
Adapted from Baker, R. R., & Paris, N. M. (1975). Manual for Force Field Analysis. Force Field Analysis (pp. 2-13). San Antonio: RRB Consulting
Force Field Analysis Worksheet Page 1

Step 1 Problem Definition

1. What is your present understanding of the problem? Is there more than one promblem covered in your statement?

2. How are you affected by the problem? What effect do you have on the problem?

3. Who else is affected by the problem and in what way?

4. Have any previosu attempts been made to define and work on this problem? Why were these attempts not more successful, What did work?

5. Defintion of the problem in force-field terms: re-state the problem situation and the situation as you would like it to be- Be Specific:

Statement of the Present Situation Statement of the situation as you would like it to be
 Force Field Analysis Worksheet Page 2

Forces are Factors that influence the problem

situation.
Step 1 Under the column headed Driving Forces,
list the forces that promote movement in the Step 3 After listing the forces, also estimate the
desired direction. Under the Column headed strength of each force (H, M or L) This will assist
Restraining or Inhibiting Forces, list the forces you in strategy planning . The lack of change or
that make it difficult to move to the desired movement toward goal indicates the resulting
direction. opposite forces are equal

Statement of the Goal or Outcome (#5 – statement of the situation as you would like it to be:

Forces can be within yourself (needs habits etc.)

Within others (relationships, concerns) within
the environment or the organization (beliefs,
norms, policies etc...)
Step 2 After you have completed the two lists
put a check by those factors which you believe
to be the most amenable to change

Strength Driving Forces Strength Restraining or Inhibiting Forces

Forces promoting the attainment of outcome Forces Interfering with the attainment of the desired outcome
Step III Strategy Planning

1) Is there some logic for dealing with some forces before others?
2) Once you are certain that a force cannot be altered, move on.
3) In general working on low strength forces is easier and may facilitate work on high strength forces – probability of change may be greater, but changes
are less dramatic
4) Working on high strength forces may result in dramatic changes but may produce frustration
5) Strategies for Change; increase driving forces, decrease inhibiting forces, change inhibiting forces into drivers.

Effort Impact Grid – Map Your Changes – LH may be a good place to start – Factor in Time and Abilities

High Effort Low Impact High Effort High Impact

HL HH
Low Effort Low Impact Low Effort High Impact

LL
LH
Step IV Action Planning

Start with one or 2 changes

Force Action Step Start Evaluation of Change Date

Adapted from Baker, R. R., & Paris, N. M. (1975). Manual for Force Field Analysis. Force Field Analysis (pp. 2-13). San Antonio: RRB Consulting