Six Degrees of Seperation: Using network theory to influence decision-making

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