Comments to: crs@uvm.eduReviewed as of 4/20/98
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EXERCISE THREE
Force Field Analysis
People and organizations operate in a field of factors and forces,
all pulling in different directions. These forces, with their
positive and negative influences, affect the likelihood of a group
reaching its goals and the direction members will follow. Using a
force field analysis can provide a graphic summary of motivational
forces at work on decisions to continue involvement, increase
involvement, fade away, or drop out altogether.
Force field analysis allows a group to identify negative and
positive forces, evaluate the possible strengths of each, and
develop strategy to strengthen the positive and diminish the
negatives. The following exercise is an adaptation of a planning
tool that can be used by the whole group or a sub-committee to
help deal with any problem solving or planning.
Gather your group so everyone can see a newsprint pad and a wall on
which to tape sheets.
1. State the objective you are working toward--in this case it
deals with motivation--and describe the present situation in the
group. You may want to take notes on a sheet of newsprint.
2. On a sheet of newsprint put the question "What negatives will
encourage members to drop out or fade away?" List all the negative
forces and factors that would lead members toward a loss of vigor,
decreasing commitment, fading away, or dropping out. Encourage
personal, interpersonal, and situational responses. This may take
several sheets of newsprint. As each sheet is completed, tape it
to the wall so it is centered. (Later tape positive sheets to the
left and overcoming sheets to the right.) Indicate the strength of
each force or factor by placing an arrow pointing left beneath each
statement. The longer and wider the arrow, the stronger the force
or factor.
3. With a different colored marker write the question at the top of
a new sheet "What forces/factors encourage members to continue and
even increase commitment?" Fill out the sheet as before and place
arrows indicating the strength (longer, wider) pointing to the
right. Tape positive sheets to the left of the negative sheets.
4. At the top of a third set of newsprint put the question, "How
can we overcome the negatives and accentuate the positives?"
Brainstorm possible suggestions. In this case you are looking for
active measures the group as a whole could take. Be prepared for
a good deal of discussion. Many times members had not realized
what they were doing to others and may correct the negatives on
their own. You may wish to have members place their initials next
to something on the list that they feel they can do.
The following is a chart with typical responses. A few of these
might be put on the newsprint lists to stimulate discussion.
What negatives will encourage What factors/forces encourage
members to fade away or drop out? members to continue and even
increase commitment?
_____________________________ ______________________________
It's not as interesting as I What I'm doing is making a
thought it would be. difference.
I want to try something new. I'm still learning a lot.
It's taking more time than I This could lead to a job.
want to devote to it.
They appreciate my input.
Something more important is
attracting me. The group has used some of my
ideas.
I'm feeling too tired; I've got
too much to do. It's really a chance to do my
own thing.
It's hurting my home life.
I've made a lot of friends that
Nobody helps me when I need it. I like to be with.
My family is feeling neglected. My friends are enthusiastic.
It's too far, and I get home They've changed to meet my
too late. schedule.
Adapted from: Kurt Lewin by Robert C. Biagi, Cooperative Extension
Service, University of Massachusetts, Citizen Involvement Training
Project, Amherst.
Comments to: crs@uvm.edu
Reviewed as of 4/20/98