The Concept of a Force Field Analysis (FFA)

A strategic tool called force field analysis is used to examine and comprehend the conditions for change in both private and public settings. Kurt Lewin created this technique, using it mostly in his work as a social psychologist. However, in the modern world, it is also used by businesspeople to formulate and convey the justification for decisions by conducting an analysis of the forces opposing and in favor of a change. The fundamental tenet of FFA is that circumstances are maintained by achieving a balance between the forces that promote and resist change. So as to experience a change, the driving forces must be made strong or else, on the other hand, the forces of resistance are made weak.

So as to undertake an FFA, one should begin by writing the plan or proposal on a piece of paper. This is then followed by listing all the forces supporting a change on the left side of the paper and the forces that are against the change on the right side. Each factor is then awarded a score and the scores for both the left and the right side are added up together. One can then make a decision on whether to go ahead with the change and implement it or whether to ignore it. The analysis can also be important in thinking on how we may strengthen the forces that are for the change and weaken those that are against the change.

FFA on an issue in life

Below are highlights from the Force Field Analysis. The information details my restraining and driving forces of losing weight.

Driving Forces (+)

Restraining Forces (-)

Negative self-image (strong)

Lacking time (strong)

A threat to my health (strong)

Lacking equipment money (weak)

Positive attitude towards sports and exercise (strong)

Lacking interest in exercising (medium)

Cultural obsession in being slim(medium/strong)

Genetic traits (strong)

Embarrassment (medium)

Years of unhealthy foods (strong)

Restraining forces impede progress.

The respondent worked part time on his father’s farm where he spent more than 30 hours each week. He also work at a health club, and takes night classes to complete his degree. From Monday all through to Friday, He leaves home at 5 a.m. and return after 5 in the evening. Obviously, his schedule has been very challenging, and he lacks time even to think of losing weight. Dietary practices have also played a part in impeding his progress since he has been buying food from the same grocery store and preparing the same recipes while living within his family routine. They have grown accustomed to eating and drinking the same type of foods with a fear of introducing other foods or trying something fresh have also been finding it difficult to begin exercising so as to lose weight and noted it is a bit changeling to change the current lifestyle.

Intervention strategy to enhance the driving forces to make change possible

As soon as one begins to make excuses, then one will never lose weight and as such, one has to toughen up and create an intervention strategy that will enhance the driving forces in the pursuit of losing weight. So as to lose weight and more so live a healthy life, and thus one has no option rather than shaking up the old practices and begin thinking about diet and lifestyle. Eating structured meals and snacks is another intervention strategy that will enhance driving forces to lose weight. This will assist in getting famished less often since will reduce practices of nibbling and consistent munching. Being famished at most times ends to grabbing whatever food is in sight which often end up in grabbing junk food. To deal with this, one has to make sure that he/she keeps healthy foods at an arm’s reach and always have a fruit or yogurt when knowing that it will be difficult to get something healthy during the day. Finally, all exercise plays a crucial role in losing weight and as such one should undertake the exercise activities that he enjoys most and come up with an exercise program that he will manage sticking to. You do not have to spend thousands of dollars on exercise equipment or an expensive gym, but instead, you can adopt lifestyle activities that will assist in the pursuit. For instance, taking the stairs and walking when covering short distances rather than always using a car. One should also make use of the various exercises that are enjoyed during the different seasons such as outdoor swimming and taking jogs and walks on the beach during summer as well as skiing in winter. The focus is mainly to follow on an exercise program that will manage to stick to for the long haul.

Conclusion

While Force Field Analysis helps you to understand the impact of different factors on your decision or change, it can be subjective. If you’re making an important decision, using it alongside other decision-making tools such as Decision Matrix Analysis, Decision Tree Analysis, and Cost/Benefit Analysis will help to reinforce the quality of your decision.

References

Donnelly, J. E., Blair, S. N., Jakicic, J. M., Manore, M. M., Rankin, J. W., & Smith, B. K. (2009). American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand. Appropriate physical activity intervention strategies for weight loss and prevention of weight regain for adults. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 41(2), 459-471.

Lewin, K. (1946). Force field analysis. The 1973 Annual Handbook for Group Facilitators, 111-13.