Lewin's force-field analysis describes change as the result of which of the following?

• A. A single driving force
• B. Opposing forces moving for and against the status quo
• C. Linear progression of change
• D. External pressures only

Answer: (B)

Change is driven by a tug-of-war between forces pushing for the new state and forces resisting it. Lewin’s force-field analysis frames the current situation as an equilibrium maintained by these two sets of forces. When the driving forces pushing toward change become stronger than the restraining forces, the balance tips and the organization moves to a new state. This approach highlights that change isn’t caused by a single factor or by a simple, straight-line progression; it results from the dynamic balance and interaction of multiple forces, both internal and external, that either propel or hinder movement away from the status quo.