What is

a force field analysis?

Gain insight with a

force field analysis

A force field analysis is a tool used to identify which forces support a change, project or policy initiative, and which forces work against it. The method was originally developed by Kurt Lewin and is widely used in change management, policy development and environmental management.

The central question is:

Which parties, interests, developments and circumstances help or hinder the achievement of our objective?

A force field analysis looks not only at stakeholders, but also at the forces they represent.

For example, in the case of a wind farm:

Hindering forces (working against the project)

Impact on the landscape

Noise pollution

Legal proceedings

Grid congestion

Action groups

Driving forces (helping to move things forward)

Climate targets

Energy security

Political support

Subsidies

Support from part of the local community

How does this differ from a stakeholder analysis?

Stakeholder analysis

Who is involved?

Focus on stakeholders

Prioritising interests

Who should we involve?

A stakeholder analysis shows:

The nature conservation organisation is involved.

Force field analysis

What forces are at play?

Focus on influence

The dynamics of change take centre stage

What helps or hinders success?

A force field analysis shows that:

The nature conservation organisation represents a restraining force due to concerns about biodiversity.

How does this differ
from SOM?

Within SOM, a force field analysis cannot be regarded as a separate analysis, but rather as an in-depth examination of:

environmental analysis;
stakeholder analysis;
interest analysis;
issue analysis.

When do you use a force field analysis?

Mutual Gains is an internationally recognised method for negotiation and collaboration in complex situations.

The method is based on four key principles:

1. At the start of a project

To gain a quick understanding of:

opportunities;
resistance;
catalysts;
risks.

2. For politically sensitive projects

For example:

housing construction;
energy transition;
nitrogen;
grid congestion;
defence expansions.
Here, the forces at play are often more important than the stakeholders themselves.

3. When a project gets stuck

A force field analysis reveals:

which forces are blocking progress;
which forces can be strengthened;
where coalitions are possible.

Example: Grid congestion

Objective:

To construct a new high-voltage transmission line.

Driving forces:

Strength

Climate targets

Housing

Business growth

Political urgency

Why?

The energy transition requires grid expansion

New homes need capacity

Economic development

Government targets

Inhibitory forces:

Strength

Lack of space

Environmental legislation

Residents’ opposition

Procedures

Why?

Few suitable sites

Permit risks

Concerns about the local environment

Long lead times

How does this help an
environmental manager?

A good force field analysis helps to:

✅ set priorities

✅ identify risks at an early stage

✅ build coalitions

✅ better understand resistance

✅ develop strategies

✅ identify opportunities for mutual gains

The SOM version of a force field analysis

In WesselinkVanZijst, you can expand the analysis by adding one extra question:

As a result, a force field analysis becomes not just an overview of allies and opponents, but a tool for understanding why forces arise and how you can align interests to change the force field. And the latter ties in seamlessly with SOM’s Mutual Gains philosophy.

Want to know more?

Schedule a 20 minute call with Rutger

Wondering how a stakeholder engagement can enhance your project? Schedule an informal chat and demo with Rutger den Hartog, managing partner of Dialog and expert in strategic stakeholder engagement. He will be happy to think along with you about a smart approach that works in your practice.