ASSESSMENT TOOL

FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS

INTRODUCTION

A force field analysis helps frame and understand the change you are looking to undertake. This worksheet is
adapted from a framework developed by psychologist Kurt Lewin and is designed to articulate and discover forces
for and against your change.

The principle of the exercise is to demonstrate the current forces pushing the change in either direction (i.e., for
and against) so that change leaders can decide how best to promote the positive and reduce or remove the
negative.

Note: This worksheet has been developed with the assumption that the change you are assessing has already been
decided. If you are using this as a tool through which to decide what changes could be made, repeat Steps 3, 4 and
5 for all possible changes.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Identify the goal of the change

Will this resolve a current issue? Will it provide new opportunities? As a group, decide what the end goal
of this process will accomplish.

Step 2: Define the change

What steps will be taken to achieve the goal? Discuss the stages of the change you are looking to
implement or, if you are deciding what change to undertake, list ways in which the goal could be
accomplished.

Step 3: List the positive forces for the change

Using the force field worksheet, list all elements that support the change and will push it in the direction
of progress. Use arrows to represent each factor. You can also use the length of the arrow to indicate the
strength of the supporting force. Note relationships between the positive forces.

Step 4: List the forces pushing against the change

Use the other column on the worksheet to list factors and considerations that would push “against” the
change proposed. Remember to note the relationships between the opposing forces.

Step 5: Use the visualization to consider how through the process of change management you and your team
can:
 Increase the strength of the positive forces
 Add more strengthening forces
 Remove, reduce or manage restraining forces
WORKSHEET

DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE:

SUPPORTING FORCES OPPOSITIONAL FORCES

WAYS TO
POTENTIAL OBSTACLES TO WAYS TO WEAKEN OR REMOVE
STRENGTHEN / ADD
CONSIDER AND PLAN FOR OPPOSITIONAL FORCES
SUPPORT