Continuous Improvement Resources at Arizona State University

Force Field Analysis

Purpose

To identify the perceived driving and restraining forces affecting a particular discussion item. Efforts will then center on minimizing the restraining forces while maximizing the driving forces.

Steps

1. State the precise issue or recommended change being reviewed.
2. Place the item on a flip chart pad. Draw a T-chart with "Driving Forces" and "Restraining Forces" above the two columns.
3. Brainstorm the forces that the participants perceive and list them in the appropriate column. You may brainstorm both columns at once or one at a time.
4. (Optional) Discuss and prioritize the driving and restraining forces.
5. (Optional) Recommend actions to bring about the desired change.
   
   

   SAMPLE FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS

   DRIVING FORCES	RESTRAINING FORCES
   contract would bring in much needed funds	turn around time is short
   materials developed could be used for other upcoming training	would require 100+ people hours to complete
   project is "high profile" and would look good for us	neither CII member with expertise to complete the project has 100 hours available by the due date

   
   

   RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

   1. See if training could be rescheduled later in the semester. 2. Investigate subcontracting with faculty members who have required expertise.