What Is Lewin’s Force Field Analysis?

Lewin’s Force Field Analysis is a tool businesses use to assess a proposed change. It compares the forces pushing for the change with the forces holding it back, helping managers decide how to make the change more likely to succeed.

How it works

Driving forces support change. They might include customer demand, new technology or pressure from competitors. Restraining forces resist change. They might include cost, employees’ concerns or a lack of training.

A business lists the forces on both sides and considers how strong each one is. Managers can then strengthen driving forces or reduce restraining forces. For example, training may reduce employees’ worries about using a new system.

Example

Suppose a retailer wants to introduce online ordering. Demand from customers and the chance to reach more buyers are driving forces. The cost of setting up the system and staff concerns about new tasks are restraining forces. The retailer might provide training and introduce the system gradually to reduce resistance.

The analysis does not make the decision for the retailer. It helps managers identify what could help or hinder the plan, so they can judge whether the benefits of changing are worth the difficulties and plan how to manage those difficulties.

In an exam answer, name the particular change and identify a relevant force on each side. Explain its effect: customer demand may increase expected sales, making online ordering more attractive; staff unfamiliarity may slow implementation, making the change harder. Then judge which forces matter most for this retailer. For instance, training could address staff concerns, but it would not remove the cost of setting up the system.

Common exam mistake: Do not just list advantages and disadvantages of a decision. Link each force to the change being proposed and explain how it would encourage or resist that change. If you suggest a way forward, explain which restraining force your action would reduce.