Q: I am trying to get information on Force Field Analysis. Can you please provide me more details on the subject?
A: Thank you for contacting ASQ. I received your request for more information regarding force field analysis.
The Quality Improvement Glossary by Donald L. Siebels defines force field analysis as a “technique for analyzing the forces that aid or hinder an organization in reaching an objective. An arrow pointing to an objective is drawn down the middle of a piece of paper. The factors that will aid the objective’s achievement, called the driving forces, are listed on the left hand side of the arrow. The factors that will hinder its achievement, called the restraining forces, are listed on the right side of the arrow.”
I have listed some resources below that help to further define force field analysis:
- An example of force field analysis in the healthcare industry
- From the ASQ Service Quality Division: Steps on how to use Force Field Analysis
Articles/Case Studies:
- “Column: Back to Basics: Solve Problems With Open Communication: A force field analysis helps employees meet organizational goals”, Quality Progress, July 2001 (open access)
- “Negative Press Motivates Impossible Mission”, ASQ Case Study, Nov. 2010 (open access)
Abstract: Telefónica’s Impossible Mission team set out to improve the company’s ability to pay advertising placement invoices according to agreed upon terms. Applying a Six Sigma approach and quality tools such as force field analysis, process mapping, 5 Whys, multivoting, Pareto charts, and Gantt and PERT charts, the team increased on-time payments from 2 percent to 97.5 percent. - “Tribal Quest: Overcome an ingrained culture to achieve true quality improvement”, Quality Progress, Dec. 2011
Contains information on how to use force field analysis to change an organizational culture - “Incredible Journey: Injuries, costs persuade a Boeing team to develop a safety plan”, Quality Progress, June 2008 (open access)
Abstract:Throughout the journey, the team repeatedly used many quality tools and methods, including benchmarking, brainstorming and value stream mapping. Comparative metrics, force field analysis and a fishbone diagram helped create the final solution.
For more information on force field analysis, please consult the following Quality Press books:
- The Quality Toolbox, 2nd ed. by Nancy R. Tague: pages 268-270 provide a procedure and examples of how to use force field analysis
- Root Cause Analysis: Simplified Tools and Techniques, 2nd ed. by Bjorn Andersen and Tom Fagerhaug: pages 164-167 provide steps in using force field analysis, a checklist, and template
I hope that this information is helpful. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Best regards,
ASQ Research Librarian
Milwaukee, WI