DP4 Lewin's FFAT

The Force Field Analysis Theory

Looks at forces that are either driving movement towards a goal or change (driving forces) or blocking movement towards a goal or change (restraining forces).

Driving forces

Those forces affecting a situation that are pushing in a particular direction and are supporting the goals or proposed change.

Examples of driving forces:

• Customers

• Legislation

• Changes in tech

• Opportunities to enter a new market

Restraining forces

Personal and organisational resistance to change that acts against the driving forces and could involve management, employees, cost, legislation and competitors.

Examples of restraining forces:

• Financial considerations

• Employee resistance

• Time

• Managers

Advantages of Lewin’s FFAT

• Businesses can weigh the pros & cons → can decide whether the change is worth undertaking

• Allows a business to identify & strengthen the driving forces supporting the change + can take action

• Allows stakeholders to identify the change as a positive or negative change from their perspective.

• It’s a visual aid = can support communication + reduce communication barriers.

Disadvantages of Lewin’s FFAT

• The weightings of the forces are subjective (biases can emerge)

• Timelines can be subjective & may not consider unexpected events

• Assigning responsibility to ppl to manage aspects of the change may result in need for training