Force Field Analysis

1. Force field analysis (which includes brainstorming)
2. Generating alternatives (which includes using the affinity technique)
3. Viability analysis (which includes using a prioritization matrix)
4. Developing a Plan of Action

Force Field Analysis

To begin the force field analysis, the team invites the other clinic staff to a brainstorming session to determine the different forces that promote or hinder the health center's achievement of its mission. Brainstorming is a lively technique that helps a group generate as many ideas as possible in a short time period.

Nurse Cruz volunteers to be in charge of the brainstorming session. First, she explains to the group that their opinions are important and welcome -- and will not be perceived by management as criticism. She draws two different columns on newsprint, one for the driving forces (the factors that promote achievement of the mission), and the other for the restraining forces (the factors that hinder achievement of the mission). As the brainstorm continues, Nurse Cruz puts the ideas in the appropriate column.

Driving Forces	Restraining Forces
willingness of the staff to change	lack of motivation of staff
good location of the health center	most clients have low incomes
local government aware of the situation	lack of economic resources
high felt need of the users	crowded building
little competition among health providers	bad roads
existence of internationally funded projects	providers stuck in the way they provide services
	low salaries
	bureaucratic procedures
	too much paperwork
	cultural insensitivity of staff
	staff don't speak users' language