Question

Complete The Force field Analysis (Exercise 6.4) for your change initiative due in Week 8. Briefly describe the forces for change and how they could be increased, the forces opposing change and how they could be reduced, and points of leverage. Based on your analysis, what actions can you take to increase the likelihood of a successful change effort?

Answer 1

The Force field Analysis: Force field analysis is an effective technique that is used to improve the quality of decisions and increase the success rate. It provides a framework for identifying forces that are driving and those forces that are restraining in situation that is in equilibrium. It provides overview of pressure for and against change. Both types of forces are described as follows:

The forces for change: Both internal as well as external sources can add pressure for change. External driving forces like benchmark data and market forces that put pressure on management for improving performance are example of external driving forces. Internal forces like vision of leaders, internal system (e.g. reward system), and attitude of work group are examples of internal driving forces.

These forces can be increased by increasing the strength of some of all of the pressures for change. These forces can also be increased by strengthening internal factors that will support change.

The forces opposing change: Restraining forces come from cultural norms, organizational system that are resistant to change and power dynamics. Changes that are viewed as threat to individuals will lead to preventive forces. For example, if innovation is the change that is desired, control system will act as restraining force because the focus of control system will be on efficiency and minimized experimentation and cost.

These forces can be reduced either by eliminating the pressure against change or converting restraining force into driving force. For example, by providing training and preparing employees for change.

Some of the forces that might either act for or against change depending on situation are highlighted as follows:

• Work group norms,
• Work place culture,
• Informal leadership

Points of leverage: The point where forces are altered to produce more open climate to change and strategies are developed to maximize driving forces and reduce restraining forces are the points of leverage.

Actions that can be taken in order to increase the likelihood of a successful change effort:

• Ensure that there is strong support from management
• Ensure employee involvement,
• Make sure that communication is transparent and effective.
• Be sure to take follow-up after implementation.