An Application of Force-Field Analysis to Urban High School Graduating Seniors During the Process of Career Preparation.

Abstract

Persistently high levels of unemployment among youth, particularly minorities, have made the jobless situation of young persons a matter of national concern. Long term solutions, based on the realities of the job market, must of necessity focus on job creation and skill development. While occupational information is an essential part of successful labor market participation, another important aspect is career preparation. In this study Force-Field Analysis originated by the late Kurt Lewin is used as a "human process" (underlying all statistics) to introduce to the young adult a model for testing the feasibility of their career goals. All to often young adults are thrust into a new phase of their lives--graduation from high school and entry into the world of work, ill prepared to make rational and sound judgements for actions. Force-Field Analysis is concerned with helping to clarify an underst and ing of the forces related to a goal or course of action. The research sites and study group were selected from the Detroit, Michigan area. Five target institutions with high school graduating seniors in the Detroit Public School System were chosen. These schools represented four regions out of a possible eight region educational system. Twenty graduating seniors from each school to total one hundred respondents served as the case number. The Force-Field instrument offers an opportunity to get in touch with oneself, to explore experiences and values and to better underst and the basis for choice in life. No one can do this for a person but themselves, but sharing the process with others can be a powerful asset in a persons exploration. A group introduction to this analysis (or workshop) intervention served as part of the study's process. Respondents completed a Force-Field questionnaire, and a pre- and post analysis. The questionnaires were divided into: (A) Inside Me, (B) Inside Society, and (C) Inside Family and /or Significant Other. The measurable consequences of an appropriate use of the Force-Field study concluded: The respondents showed close correlation between themselves and society as the most important "change agents" during this significant period of their lives. This period, categorized on the Pre-Analysis Questionnaire as being in an "Active Purpose" as opposed to a "Period of Transition." High traits of stabilization between poles, however, evidenced the respondents as being equally or "none-descriptive" of statements concerning their feelings of being in a state of turmoil as opposed to tranquility and like statements. The Family and /or Significant Other category showed the lowest percentages in regards to serving as supports, or barriers during this career preparation stage. Noteworthy as well is that this indication has a tendency of independency for these young adults. An eminent number of career choices respondents chose were found to be favorable occupations from the Michigan Research and Statistics Division of the MESC. Most of these occupations stimulating vocational or college training as indicated also on the target dates respondents elected. The Force-Field project in conclusion showed that all one hundred respondents had, after their sound analysis were able to clarify and make judgements as to the feasibility of the original goal or goal statement. Ninety-two point zero percent decided to continue striving toward their goal with adaptations and 8.0 percent chose to forget and try another. Respondents saw as an after measurement that over 50 percent on each question of the Post-Analysis Questionnaire that knowledge had been increased substantially by using this instrument, with the highest percentage 63.0 indicating an increased awareness of need for more information and education.