This is from the “Accounting Makes Cents” podcast episode #66 released on Monday, 3 June 2024.

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Let’s start with a fun reference. As the show notes explained, this post is inspired by the classic episode on Friends entitled “The One with the List”. In that Friends episode, Ross made a pros and cons list to decide between his current girlfriend, Julie, and his forever crush, Rachel. As you can probably guess, this had such a disastrous aftermath, as Rachel took offence when she found that Ross made the list, even though Ross decided to go with Rachel regardless of the list. Anyways, before I get too deep into that rabbit hole, let’s circle back to the real subject of today’s podcast.

While making a pros and cons list can sometimes help in making decisions, it can also oversimplify complex situations as shown by that Friends episodes. In business, we can use a more structured, more comprehensive approach such as Force Field Analysis.

Jump to show notes.

Force Field Analysis was developed by Kurt Lewin, a pioneer in social psychology. Yep, it’s the same guy who brought us the Ice Cube Model or Three-Step Model. So, the force field analysis is a method that helps businesses and individuals understand the factors that influence a situation, decision, or change. By identifying and evaluating the forces that drive or resist a particular change, we are more able to make informed decisions. Sounds interesting, right? Let’s break it down.

Imagine a school considering implementing a new online learning platform. The goal is to enhance the learning experience, especially to support remote education. How do we determine if this change is likely to be successful? Let’s use the Force Field Analysis to see how it works.

First, we define the change. In this case, it’s implementing a new online learning platform. 

Next, we identify the driving forces. These are the factors that support or push towards the change. Here are some driving forces:

• The new  platform will improve access to resources. Students and teachers can access a wide range of educational materials online. For ranking, this will have a strength rating of 5.
• Next, the new platform opens up the opportunity for flexible learning. Students can learn at their own pace and schedule, which can be beneficial for those with different learning styles. For ranking, this gets a strength rating of 4.
• Third, the platform will enhance communication: It will provide tools for better communication between students and teachers, such as forums and instant messaging. This will have a strength rating of 4.
• Lastly, the platform will provide data tracking. Teachers can track students’ progress and performance more effectively, which we could rate with a strength of 3.

Now, let’s look at the restraining forces, which are the factors that oppose or resist the change.

• First issue is cost. There’s a high initial cost for purchasing the platform and ongoing subscription fees, with a strength rating of 4.
• Secondly, there could be technological challenges. Since not everyone is not the same with their ability to use technology, some students and teachers may face difficulties in using the new technology. This is rated at a strength of 3.
• Thirdly, there could be resistance to change. Change of any kind is always unsettling, even if it’s a good change. Teachers and students may be resistant to changing from traditional methods to online learning. This has a strength rating of 4.
• Lastly, internet access may be an issue. Not all students may have reliable internet access at home, which we rate with a strength of 5.

To visualise this, we draw a line down the middle of a page of paper, creating two columns: one for driving forces and one for restraining forces. Next to each force, we write its strength rating.

Driving forces	Restraining forces
Improved Access to Resources – 4	Cost – 4
Flexible Learning – 4	Technological Challenges – 3
Enhanced Communication – 4	Resistance to Change – 4
Data Tracking – 3	Internet Access – 5
Total – 16	Total – 16

In this case, the total strength of the driving forces is equal to the total strength of the restraining forces, each summing up to 16. This indicates a balanced situation where the driving forces are just as strong as the restraining forces.

To tip the balance in favour of the driving forces, we need to develop strategies to strengthen them and reduce the restraining forces.

• We could provide training. By offering comprehensive training sessions for teachers and students to make them comfortable with the new platform.
• We could highlight the benefits. By communicating the benefits of the platform to teachers, students, and parents to reduce resistance.
• We could implement a pilot program. If we start with a pilot program to show the effectiveness of the platform before full implementation.

Reducing the restraining forces:

• We could seek funding to help us cover the initial and ongoing costs of the platform. We could apply for grants or things like that which are available for schools or educational institutions.
• We could provide technical support to help students and teachers overcome technological challenges. This may vary of course, but it will certainly alleviate some of the initial bigger hurdles of technological challenges.
• Lastly, we could find internet access solutions. We could work with local community organisations to provide solutions for students without reliable internet access.

By implementing these strategies, the school can tip the balance in favour of the driving forces, increasing the likelihood of a successful implementation of the new online learning platform.

So that’s a simple look at our exploration of the Force Field Analysis.

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Show notes simplified

In this episode, MJ the tutor uncovers how to use a powerful decision-making tool like Force Field Analysis to help navigate the complexities of change. Inspired by the classic “Friends” episode where Ross creates a pros and cons list, the Force Field Analysis is a more structured approach to understanding the factors that influence decisions.

Resources and links:
Fandom Wiki on Friends episode: The One with the List