six degrees of seperation: using network theory to influence decision-making
Post on 21-Oct-2014
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Overview of presentation on policy communication and how policy processes are not linear but rather iterative.TRANSCRIPT
Six Degrees of Separation: Using network thinking to influence
decision-making
Presentation for Policy-Communication
Nexus training
The purpose of this session is to get us to step outside our normative and rational thinking to look at how we can spread our ideas to influence people and processes. Contents Quick Game How do we influence decisions Examples of how to influence and use networks Questions and discussion
Presentation/Session Overview
Work in Laos and Asia region on policy advocacy, development and communication Development: Cambodia CF Sub-
decree. designed policy program on upland development, policy platforms on Land issues
Research Communication: use of video/Media , workshops, policy briefs, study tours to influence policy development
Play a lot of golf! Small countries where trust and knowing who knows who is important
My Experience
The rational/linear Model of policy development
Evidence plays a relatively modest role in policy making, which is dominated by political expediency.Policy makers tend to use stories rather than ‘hard’ evidence as they are easy to understand and effective.Decision makers tend to focus on communication as a way of getting a message across rather than as a participatory development process.Personal interaction remains the most effective means of communicating with policy makers. Communication strategies should build on existing networks and communities of interest.
http://www.healthlink.org.uk/we-do/comms_icd.html
Interesting conclusions from a policy communication in Health Survey
1885 Edward J. Claghorn of New York, New York granted U.S. Patent 312,085, for an automobile safety belt.
1959 US Congress passes legislation requiring all automobiles to comply with safety standards including seat belts.
1970 State of Victoria, Australia, passes first law worldwide making seat belt wearing compulsory for drivers and front-seat passengers.
Evidence based policies!
How do we influence decisions? How do we get ideas to go viral?
When
R0 < 1the infection will die out in the long run (provided infection rates are constant).
But if
R0 > 1the infection will be able to spread in a population.
epidemiology
Different ways of looking at policy change including: interactions between different groups with differing
political interests Actor-oriented approaches: such as, policy communities
and networks, interfaces, actor-network, epistemic communities, entrepreneurs/saboteurs
Discourse, which is an ensemble of ideas communicated through practices via coalitions, narratives, or rhetoric
External drivers: economics, investment, climate variability
If policy is not rational then how is it developed?
1. Knowledge-driven: application of basic research; provides an opportunity for policy-relevant research which can then be applied;
2. Problem-solving: communication of research on an agreed upon problem to the policy maker; this model implies that there is consensus between the researchers and the policy makers on the solution or endstate;
3. Enlightenment: education of the policy maker; that with time the accumulation of research will influence policy by educating the policy maker;
4. Political: rationalization for previously arrived at decision; used by policy makers to bolster support or provide ammunition for opposition;
5. Tactical: requesting additional information to delay action; often used by government agencies or other organizations/institutions as a response to a problem or issue;
6. Interactive: competing information sources; this implies that policy makers are actively searching for policy-relevant information that is not based on social science research;
7. Intellectual enterprise: policy research is just one type of many intellectual pursuits.From Weiss, 1977
Seven Meanings of ‘Use’
Social Network Analysis (SNA) is a diagnostic method for collecting and analyzing data about the patterns of relationships among people in groups. It helps to: Understand the flow of knowledge,
information and Innovation Understand where there are potential
nodes of influence and dissemination area
Target opportunities where increased knowledge flow will have the most impact
Helps us find ways to get our ideas accepted or used by influence makers
Social Network Analysis
Communication is not linear
Successful farmer is in an important position between the two clans, and a reasonably important source of problem solving.
Strategy of linking in to the central nodes of both subgroups, thereby enhancing access to problem solving resources.
Accessing external resources
The tipping point for creating a revolution is 10%!
Examples of non-conventional ways to influence/reach decision makers
• Engage with secretaries, staff of policy-makers, those who write speeches
• Not just your facts and figures, not just your story but who communicates it: Look for influential people to communicate your findings
• Develop and sustain networks - don’t rely on one person
Use of intermediaries
Media can grab attention of Politicians – concerned about reputationLegitimizes research Can act as a reference and provide balance information Relations with media need to be carefully managed and developed – building trust
Use of media
We all have our own networks: Friends who work for
government Wives, family member of those
you are trying to influence are good ways to spread ideas
Using your own network influence
Build social capital, trust and respect. Develop networks with key actors who have similar
interests Get involved in policy commissions, networks which are
working on policy or working on policy advocacy Involve policy makers in policy experiments. Ensure research is building upon policy interests and needs
of policymakers – solving their problems and issues
Build networks & get involved
Surveys on policy makers have found that the form (how presented) is just as important as message and results Anecdotes and stories are
powerful way to transform data Look for the right people to get
your message or story across Seeing is believing- study tours
are important
Communicating effectively
What are some ways for influencing or reaching decision makers in African Context?What drives decision making processes in Africa? Outside influences Internal politics Self interest/clan/ethnic interests Civil society Research
Discussion