Force Field Analysis (Kurt Lewin) Template printable pdf download

The Force Field Analysis - what is it?

Jennie McShannon

The Force Field Analysis was designed in the early 1950's by Kurt Lewin who became a social

psychologist following a career as a physicist. Whilst not widely known about, Lewin's theory of

change underpins almost all contemporary change theory.

Lewin noted that despite the often positive reasons for change it is usually resisted. There are

many reasons for resisting change and ways in which individuals, teams and organisations

express their resistance. If the resisting forces can match the driving forces, no change will

occur. A system is unconsciously designed to reinforce itself, and will put in an effort to

maintain the status quo. Just like our own human system strives to keep us at the same

temperature, a system will have drivers and resistors which will keep the system in a '

quasi-state of equilibrium'

To make a change happen you have to first understand what forces are at play in your system

in relation to the change you want to make. You can identify if the change is still the right one

to pursue and then think about how you influence those forces so that the drivers are more

powerful than the resisters and the change will occur.

1. How to undertake a Force Field Analysis

Use a blank sheet of paper, whiteboard, or the Systems Changers Force Field

Analysis template.

In a box in the middle of the paper describe your plan or proposal for change.

Draw a number of arrows in a column on the left hand side pointing into the side

of the box.

Beside each arrow down the left hand side list the drivers of the change you

want to make. The positive forces for change.

Think about this on different levels - the practical drivers - the need to save money, improve

performance etc. Then start to think about the emotional drivers for you or those involved in

the change you want to make for example, we will feel more connected with others.

Force Field Analysis (Kurt Lewin) Template