Forces in favor of change and those resisting change are analyzed through which analysis?

• A. Cause-and-effect analysis
• B. SWOT analysis
• C. Force-field analysis
• D. Root-cause analysis

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is mapping the forces that push for change against the forces that resist it. A force-field analysis does this by listing driving forces that push the change forward and restraining forces that push against it, then evaluating their strengths. This helps a team see whether the change is likely to succeed and where to intervene—either by strengthening the drivers or reducing the barriers, or removing restraining forces altogether. It’s a practical way to plan how to implement change and anticipate resistance.

Context helps: you start by clearly defining the proposed change, then identify all factors that support it and all factors that oppose it. You might assign scores to indicate relative strength and use that to prioritize actions such as communicating benefits to increase buy-in, providing resources to reduce barriers, or addressing concerns directly. Reassessing after interventions shows whether the balance has shifted in favor of change.

Other analyses don’t fit this specific purpose. A cause-and-effect (fishbone) analysis maps root causes of a problem and their effects, not the push-pull dynamics of change. SWOT looks at internal strengths and weaknesses plus external opportunities and threats, giving a broad situational view rather than the forces propelling or resisting a particular change. Root-cause analysis focuses on identifying underlying causes of an issue, not on the forces influencing a change initiative.