<FORCE FIELD ANALYSIS> 

The force field diagram helps managers weigh up the importance of these two types of forces.

It helps identify the people most likely to be affected by the change.

It encourages an examination of how to strengthen the forces supporting the decision and reduce the forces opposed to it.

The use of a leadership style that reduces opposition and resistance to change is highlighted as being more effective than forcing through unpopular changes in an autocratic manner.

Force field analysis requires the full participation of everyone involved to provide the accurate information required for an effective analysis. This can be a disadvantage when full participation is not possible, resulting in an analysis that does not provide a realistic picture of the supporting and opposing forces.

Another disadvantage is the possibility that the analysis will not result in a consensus among the group. In fact, a force field analysis may actually cause a division in the group between those who support the decision and those who oppose it.

One of the key things to keep in mind when using force field analysis is that the analysis developed is entirely dependent upon the skill level and knowledge of the group working on the analysis.

In most cases, force field analysis is based on assumptions, not facts. Even if the assumptions are based on experience, the interpretation of the evidence should not necessarily be seen as being objective within the overall process of evaluating the driving and restraining forces.