Influence Network Mapping Toolbox Eva Schiffer, IFPRI Eva Schiffer influence-network@web.de Sunbelt...

Influence Network Mapping Toolbox

Eva Schiffer, IFPRI

Eva Schifferinfluence-network@web.de

Sunbelt ConferenceMay 2007Society for International Development (SID)KM WorkgroupWashington DC

Eva Schiffer10th Nov. 09

Structure of workshop

• Challenge: Doing the right thing in complex cultural and social settings

• Net-Map: – How it is done– What it can deliver– Examples from the field

• Group activity: Getting started with Net-Map• Discussion: Experience, possible next steps• Closing remarks

Challenge: Having an impact in complex cultural and social settings

Required:• Understanding complexity from different points

of view• Getting commitment, buy-in from partners• Strategies to use complex networks instead of

being overwhelmed• Fast and action oriented assessment

• Who has influence?• Who is impacted?• What are their goals?• How are they linked (formal and informal links)?• How strongly can they influence success of

investment?• What are crucial bottlenecks?

Needed: Method to assess situation and lead to action

Net-Map

• Participatory quick assessment tool for complex systems

• Based on Social Network Analysis and Power Mapping

• Visualization and facilitation method:– Who are the relevant actors?

– What are their formal and informal links?

– How influential are they?

– What are their goals?

• Door-opener for strategic planning and collaboration

Who is involved?

How are they linked?

How influential are they?

What are their goals?

Computerized visualization and analysis

Computerized visualization and analysis

Some examples from the field

• African Peer Review Mechanism: Who is the civil society?

• IFPRI Malawi Strategy Support Program:How can research enter policy processes?

• IFPRI/FAO et al.: Pro-poor risk reduction of avian influenza

Pro-poor Risk Reduction for Avian Influenza

How to best organize effective response to outbreaks?– Used Net-Map in kick-off workshops– Stakeholders from poultry production,

marketing, research, public administration

• Results– Identification of major

shortcomings in the design of response interventions

– Enthusiastic buy-in from participants

Picture by McAndrea

Avian Flu Communication

Avian Flu Communication Breakpoint

Breakpoint

Avian Flu Communication Corruption Hot-Spot

Corruption hot-spot

Advantages of Net-Map• Quick overview of the complex system

– Who are the relevant players?– What are the relevant linkages?– What are the potential bottlenecks to be further explored?– What are the potential entry points?

• Applicable with wide range of stakeholders – From PhD researcher through administrator to farmer– Different cultural backgrounds

• Visualization as a powerful tool to– Discuss complex situations– Build consensus, buy-in– Avoid misunderstandings

• Visualizing perceived influence – adds a dimension lacking in other mapping methods– facilitates debate

Ok, let’s do it…

• Each table volunteers one interviewee

• He/she chooses (real or invented) situation to map multiple actors, different goals, formal and informal links– E.g. the implementation of country program– Pushing for specific change in my department– Getting the thanksgiving dinner done without

drama

• Group “interviews” volunteer

Reminder: Net-Map steps

• Define question, typically: “Who influences XY- and how?”

• Who is involved (write & distribute actor cards)?• How are they linked (define links and draw)?• What are their goals (if applicable, two opposing

goals, add abbreviations to actors )?• How influential are they (set up influence towers)• Discuss: What are bottlenecks? Coalitions?

Possible Strategies? etc.