Tool 1

Force-field analysis and graphical force-field analysis

What the tool is

Force-field analysis is a rather pompous name for a pair of brainstormed lists, one describing the forces that will help a change to be implemented, and the other describing the possible barriers to that change. In its raw state, it involves no analysis at all – just listing relevant ideas.

It becomes a powerful tool when the ideas are weighted, either graphically or numerically, showing where we should focus our management effort in implementing the change. The tool can be used by one person or a small group working together, but is best used by one or more small teams of up to six people, working in parallel.

The tool is accredited to Kurt Lewin, a pioneer in ...

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