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ACCA Strategic Professional · Strategic Business Leader · Managing strategic change

Marlowe Foods is merging two regional divisions. Its change manager observes that the forces for change (cost pressure, new competitors) are strong, but there are equally strong forces against it (job insecurity, loyalty to local brands). Using Lewin's force field analysis, what is the most effective way to make progress?

The most effective approach is to identify and reduce the restraining forces through reassurance, involvement and training instead of only adding pressure. Extra pressure often heightens resistance and tension, while weakening the restraining forces shifts the balance towards change more sustainably. Refreezing comes only after change has occurred.

  1. AIncrease the strength of the driving forces by applying more pressure, since this resolves the restraining forces
  2. BIgnore the restraining forces because they will weaken once the change is announced
  3. CIdentify the restraining forces and reduce them, for example through reassurance, involvement and training, rather than relying only on added pressureCorrect
  4. DMove straight to refreezing so the new structure becomes permanent

Explanation

In force field analysis, change occurs when driving forces outweigh restraining forces. Simply increasing pressure tends to strengthen resistance and raise tension. Reducing the restraining forces, such as through involvement and reassurance, shifts the balance with less conflict. Refreezing comes only after movement has been achieved.

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