Lewin's Model of Force Field Analysis

Introduction

• Theoretical model useful for answering questions on change management.
• Developed by Kurt Lewin, an American social psychologist interested in organizational behavior.
• Focuses on the balance between forces driving change and forces resisting change.

Key Concepts

• Driving Forces: Push for change in an organization.
• Restraining Forces: Resist change.
• The model assesses the balance between these forces.
• Change occurs if driving forces are greater than restraining forces.

Model Explanation

• Forces are scored or weighted to assess their strength.
• Example: Three driving forces might score a total of 9, whereas three restraining forces might score a total of 7, indicating that change is possible.
• Equilibrium of forces means no change.
• Management needs to reduce restraining forces to enable change.

Internal and External Forces

• Internal Forces:
  • Desire for higher financial returns, profits, or cash flow.
  • Lack of innovation or poor efficiency.
  • Need for cultural change or new leadership.
• External Forces:
  • Changes in consumer demand or market conditions.
  • Actions of competitors.
  • Changes in political, economic, legislative, social, and technological environments (PESTEL analysis).

Resistance to Change

• Resistance is normal due to stress and disruption caused by change.
• Change challenges inappropriate proposals and can slow achievement of objectives.
• Factors resisting change include poor communication, self-interest, uncertainty, and disagreement on necessity or method of change.

Example: Royal Mail

• Moya Greene, CEO in 2010, faced challenges requiring change at Royal Mail.
• Driving forces included market deregulation, political desire for privatization, and financial losses.
• Resisting forces included unionization and workforce uncertainty regarding job losses.
• Successful reduction of restraining forces led to effective change management.

Conclusion

• Lewin's Force Field Analysis is a valuable tool for business analysis in change management.
• Helps determine feasibility and direction of change management programs.