KURT LEWIN’S CHANGE THEORY

Force Field Analysis: Driving Forces

Driving Forces are forces that push in a direction that causes change to occur.

They cause a shift in the equilibrium towards change.

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DRIVING FORCE

Force Field Analysis: Restraining Forces

Restraining forces are forces that counter driving forces. They oppose change.

Restraining forces cause a shift in the equilibrium which opposes change

RESTRAINING FORCES

Force Field Analysis: Equilibrium

Equilibrium is a state of being where driving forces equal restraining forces and no change occurs

Equilibrium can be raised or lowered by changes that occur between the driving and restraining forces

Kurt Lewin’s Change Theory

Consists of three distinct and vital stages:

“Unfreezing”

“Moving to a new level or Changing”

“Refreezing”

“UNFREEZING”

“Unfreezing”

Involves finding a method of making it possible for people to let go of an old pattern that was counterproductive in some way

“MOVING TO A NEW LEVEL”

“Moving to a new level”

Involves a process of change in thoughts, feeling, behavior, or all three, that is in some way more liberating or more productive

“REFREEZING”

“Refreezing”

Is establishing the change as a new habit, so that it now becomes the “standard operating procedure.” Without this stage of refreezing, it is easy to backslide into the old ways.