Force field analysis

A tool for complex problem solving + be first to see the new book

When it comes to skills shortages and government priorities for education and training, needs across advanced economies are alike. The U.S, Australia, European Union and Canada are trying to grow and upskill their workforces with similar demographic, competitiveness and political contexts to contend. The U.K is currently formulating its skills framework post-Brexit, which I look forward to poring over.

But determining the mix of skills needed across the workforce, including new skills for the latest occupations and removing obsolete ones, is no easy feat. For example, the European Union has identified 13,939 skills that reflect knowledge and competencies relevant to the European labour market. Australia draws from the similarly scaled U.S skills and occupation classifications.

Luckily all the national classifications also identify a handful of core competencies, which are skills that all jobs need to some extent and to varying degrees of capability. One skill which features universally is problem solving. 

That’s why the first essential skills guide by Edaith is a problem solving toolkit. Problem Solver is a thoughtfully curated compendium of key knowledge and 30 tools to enable anyone to problem solve more effectively.

 

 

Would you like to receive an advance review copy?

To be the first to see the problem solving toolkit and help me improve it reply ‘Yes’ to this email. You’ll receive an advance copy to keep and a link to a short feedback form to complete (and guaranteed good karma). Reply by 19.07.24.

Today’s focus is an analysis tool from the Problem Solver. 

Tina

Force field analysis

A tool to help analyse current challenges and drivers of change when solving complex problems. 

Force field analysis was developed by social psychologist Kurt Lewin during the 1940s to identify the psychological and social factors that can be a barrier to or encourage change (Hustedde & Score 1995). It has been widely adopted in business and government settings to better inform complex problem solving and can be applied to current problems or implemented solutions that need to be reconsidered.

If the force field analysis indicates a greater amount of forces against that cannot be significantly influenced, this is an indication to reframe the problem, or that the problem cannot be solved.

Force fields are representative of complex systems that can include personal, social, cultural, political, environmental, or economic variables, and so morph over time (Swanson 2014). Restraining forces untenable in the past might become conducive to change, and likewise positive forces may disappear over time. 

 

Get it done

1. Define the problem and goal

Clearly articulate the current issue and the desired future state.

2. Uncover driving and restraining forces

Brainstorm all possible forces, micro and macro, internal and external, that could work for or against the solution.

3. Assess the forces

The strength of the forces can be represented by proportional arrow sizes and/or ranked. Contemplate how to increase driving forces and address restraining ones and revise the strength assigned to forces accordingly. Driving forces should be stronger than restraining forces. 

 

Cognitive skills

References

Hustedde, R. Score, M. 1995. Force-field Analysis: Incorporating Critical Thinking in Goal Setting. Community Development Society.

Swanson, D.J & Creed, A.S, 2014 Sharpening the Focus of Force Field Analysis, Journal of Change Management, 14:1, pp. 28-47

Back to posts

What you need to know, without the noise.