or equilibrium, between the forces that tend to press toward movement in one direction and other forces that tend to restrain movement in that direction. So long as the net sum of all the forces is zero, no movement occurs. When a change is desirable, force field analysis can be used to identify the best way to upset the balance between positive and negative forces so a different equilibrium can be reached.
Developing Alternative Solutions
A procedure called nominal group technique(NGT) is a good way to generate ideas pertinent to a problem. This procedure is similar to brainstorming(see Highlight 8.9) in that it is an idea-generating activity conducted in a group setting. With however, group members write down ideas on individual slips of NGT, blackboard or paper, which are later transferred to a flip chart for the entire group to work with.
Selecting and Implementing the Best Solution
The first solution one thinks of is not necessarily the best solution, even if everyone involved finds it acceptable. It is better to select a solution on the basis of established criteria. These include questions such as the following.