Influence Network Mapping Toolbox

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Influence Network Mapping Toolbox
Sunbelt ConferenceMay 2007
Society for International Development (SID)KM
WorkgroupWashington DC Eva Schiffer10th Nov. 09
Eva Schifferinfluence-network_at_web.de

• Eva Schiffer, IFPRI

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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

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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

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Needed Method to assess situation and lead to
action

• 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?

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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

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Who is involved?
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How are they linked?
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How influential are they?
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What are their goals?
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Computerized visualization and analysis
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Computerized visualization and analysis
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Some examples from the field

• African Peer Review Mechanism Who is the civil
  society?
• IFPRI Malawi Strategy Support ProgramHow can
  research enter policy processes?
• IFPRI/FAO et al. Pro-poor risk reduction of
  avian influenza

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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
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Avian Flu Communication
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Avian Flu Communication Breakpoint
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Avian Flu Communication Corruption Hot-Spot
Corruption hot-spot
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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

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Ok, lets 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

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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.