STEPS FOR USING FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS IN ANALYZING

POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

1. Write the idea, proposed solution, or goal in the box marked “change”.

2. Clarify participants’ understanding of the idea or goal.

3. Brainstorm to identify driving forces—situations, attitudes, personalities, resources—that

support the change. (Record on a transparency or flipchart.)

4. Brainstorm to identify restraining forces—anything that will prevent the change from
happening or will hinder its effectiveness.

5. Rank each driving and restraining force on a 1 to 4 scale; 1 being least powerful, and 4
being most powerful.

6. Assess the likely success of the idea by considering:

(a) How powerful are the driving forces? Can we capitalize on the driving forces?
(b) How powerful are the restraining forces? Can we manage or weaken them?

7. Decide whether the idea/solution should remain on the potential solutions list.

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