Lewin's Force Field Analysis

Kurt Lewin's Force Field Analysis (1951) is one of the most widely used models for understanding the dynamics of change within organisations. It provides a visual framework for identifying the forces that support or hinder a proposed change, enabling managers to develop strategies for successful implementation.

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The Core Concept

Lewin argued that at any point in time, an organisation exists in a state of equilibrium — a balance between two sets of opposing forces:

• Driving forces — factors that push towards change (e.g., new technology, competitive pressure, customer demand)
• Restraining forces — factors that resist change (e.g., employee fear, cost, organisational inertia)

When driving forces and restraining forces are equal, the organisation remains in its current state. For change to occur, the equilibrium must be disrupted — either by strengthening driving forces, weakening restraining forces, or both.

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The Force Field Diagram

A force field diagram is drawn with the proposed change in the centre. Driving forces are shown as arrows pushing from the left, and restraining forces as arrows pushing from the right. The length or thickness of each arrow represents the relative strength of that force.