Analysis · intermediate · 30 min

Force Field Analysis: Bias Reduction

Identify driving and restraining forces related to bias reduction to develop strategies for overcoming resistance and promoting change.

What participants gain

  • Identify driving forces that support bias reduction.
  • Identify restraining forces that hinder bias reduction.
  • Develop strategies for strengthening driving forces.
  • Develop strategies for weakening restraining forces.

Materials needed

  • Force field analysis template (printed or digital)
  • Pens
  • Markers
  • Sticky notes
  • Timer
  • Whiteboard or flip chart
  • A3 paper

How to run Force Field Analysis: Bias Reduction, step by step

  1. Introduce the concept of force field analysis and its relevance to bias reduction (5 minutes).
  2. Define the desired state (i.e., reduced bias) (5 minutes).
  3. Guide participants through the different sections of the force field analysis diagram, asking them to identify driving and restraining forces (15 minutes).
  4. Have participants share their diagrams with the larger group (5 minutes).
  5. Facilitate a discussion to develop strategies for strengthening driving forces and weakening restraining forces (5 minutes).

Facilitator tips

  • Clearly define the desired state (i.e., reduced bias) before starting the analysis.
  • Encourage participants to consider both internal and external forces.
  • Focus on identifying actionable strategies for strengthening driving forces and weakening restraining forces.

Common challenges

  • Participants may struggle to identify all relevant forces - Provide examples of potential driving and restraining forces to prompt their thinking.
  • Participants may disagree on the strength of different forces - Facilitate a discussion to reach a consensus.
  • The analysis may become too abstract - Focus on specific examples of bias and its impact.

Running it virtually

Use a digital force field analysis template on a platform like Miro or Mural. Allow participants to collaborate on the diagram in real-time and assign different colors to driving and restraining forces.

Expected results

A completed force field analysis diagram identifying key driving and restraining forces related to bias reduction. Participants will develop a better understanding of how to overcome resistance and promote change.

Build a session around Force Field Analysis: Bias Reduction

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