How to Use the Tool:

Force Field Analysis is a useful technique for looking at all the forces for and against a decision for change. In effect, it is a specialized method of weighing pros and cons.By carrying out the analysis you can plan to strengthen the forces supporting a decision, and reduce the impact of opposition to it.

 To carry out a force field analysis, follow these steps:

List all forces for change in one column, and all forces against change in another column.

Assign a score to each force, from 1 (weak) to 5 (strong).

Draw a diagram showing the forces for and against change. Show the size of each force as a number next to it.

For example, imagine that you are a manager deciding whether to install new manufacturing equipment in your factory. You might draw up a force field analysis using a table like the one here:

Forces for change	Score	Change proposal	Score	Forces against change
Total				Total

Once you have carried out an analysis, you can decide whether your project is viable. In the example above, you might initially question whether it is worth going ahead with the plan.Where you have already decided to carry out a project, Force Field Analysis can help you to work out how to improve its probability of success. Here you have two choices:

To reduce the strength of the forces opposing a project or

To increase the forces pushing a project

Often the most elegant solution is the first: just trying to force change through may cause its own problems. People can be uncooperative if change is forced on them.If you had to implement the project , the analysis might suggest a number of changes to the initial plan, for example in a case of technology change and the impact on the work force:

By training staff (increase cost by 1) you could eliminate fear of technology (reduce fear by 2)

It would be useful to show staff that change is necessary for business survival (new force in favour, +2)

Staff could be shown that new machines would introduce variety and interest to their jobs (new force, +1)

You could raise wages to reflect new productivity (cost +1, loss of overtime -2)

Slightly different machines with filters to eliminate pollution could be installed (environmental impact -1)

These changes would swing the balance from 11:10 (against the plan), to 8:13 (in favour of the plan).

Key points:

Force Field Analysis is a useful technique for looking at all the forces for and against a change plan. It helps you to weigh the importance of these factors and decide whether a plan is worth implementing. Where you have decided to carry out a plan, Force Field Analysis helps you identify changes that you could make to improve it.

Making Sense of Change Management: A Complete Guide to the Models, Tools and Techniques of Organizational Change by Esther Cameron and Mike Green

Leading Change by John P Kotter

Change Management Masterclass: A Step-by-step Guide to Successful

Change Management by Mike Green

The Theory and Practice of Change Management by John Hayes

The Change Management Toolkit by C.A. Carnall (

Managing Change and Transition (Harvard Business Essentials) by Harvard Business Essentials

Change Management Excellence: Using the Four Intelligences for Successful Organizational Change by Sarah Cook and Steve Macaulay

Change Management: A Guide to Effective Implementation by Robert A Paton and James McCalman

Harvard Business Review on Change  by HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW

Heart of Change, The: Real Life Stories of How People Change Their Organizations by John P Kotter and Dan S Cohen

Managing Business Change for Dummies (For Dummies) by Beth L. Evard and Craig A. Gipple

Managing Change Step by Step: All You Need to Build a Plan and Make It Happen by Richard Newton