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Kurt Lewin's Force Field Analysis Model

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Topic 2:
Lewin’s Force Field Analysis

Kurt Lewin’s (1890-1947) force field analysis provides an overview of the balance between forces driving change and the forces resisting change within organisations (Carnall, 2014; Lewin, 1951). Lewin’s research centered around how businesses were able to adapt and be flexible to their changing external environment. In studying successful businesses that seceded in implementing change compared to those who failed through resistance to change, Lewin developed the Force Field Analysis Model (Lewin, 1951). The Force Field Analysis Model is a problem-solving tool to help change occur.

The Force Field Analysis Model

Diagram 1: Force Field Analysis Model
(Retrieved from Change Management Coach. 2017 by Mark Connelly)
The model is a strategic instrument used to understand what is needed for change to take place. The change from the present state to the desired state is recognised as a state of imbalance between driving forces (Carnall, 2014; Lewin, 1951). The restraining forces are the identified difficulties that may be involved with the envisaged change. These are the forces that get in the way of change. Their impact and restraint towards the envisaged change must be acknowledged and worked through, to minimise or possibly eliminate, for any change to better implemented. The driving forces support change highlighting the positive effects the change to be implemented may result in.

Forces: Dualities and Tensions
These forces can be identified as dualities and tensions (Poole, Dooley & Homes, 2004). The dualities are the ‘polar opposite’, often working against each other to various degrees and are not mutually exclusive of each other (Poole et al, 2004, p. 124). Dualities can be viewed through the lens of opposites. For example, the introduction of informational communication tools can create certainty and uncertainty within an organisation. The change may bring certainty around the pace and efficiency for the organisation and uncertainty regarding job security for individual employees who may be replaced by the tool’s capability. Organisations undertake change within and across different levels; individual, team or organisational, however, not all levels may be

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