Force-Field Diagram

When making decisions or planning actions, there are often points against the situation as well as for it. Verbal argument can result in the wrong decisions being made as the 'winner' is often the most senior person or the one who shouts the loudest. Better decisions are made by weighing up the pros and cons in a more organized fashion.

The Force-Field Diagram uses a simple diagram to visually organize and display the arguments for and against a situation or action (see the illustration). Each argument or reason is shown as an arrow, pointing into a line, with either side of the line representing either side of the argument and the length of each arrow representing the weight or strength of the argument.

See also:

Toolbook chapter: Force-Field Diagram