Brittany Berns
(Will not be doing this in the 2nd module)
Background
Social network analysis (SNA) is often used to assess the
effectiveness or the level of involvement of a population in civic engagement activities.
My SNA interest lies in how the analysis can assist in the inclusion of the public in policy
formation and decisions. SNA could also function as a tool for
government agencies interested in civic engagement to find the gaps of
collaboration in the community around a specific issue. One of the many examples in using SNA in civic engagement occurred in Australia where the government created government-sponsored online discussion forum for community building. I would like to discover how SNA could be used to improve discussions regarding intellectual and development disabilities (I/DD) in a community.
Within the past couple years; many states were identified as
being noncompliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ACA). As a result,
a State government, urged by the U.S. Department of Justice, consented to
create more collaborative mechanisms to ensure better engagement between
government agencies and I/DD community. Most states had a history of asylums, mistreatment, and workshops
where I/DD individuals received less than minimum wage. With such past activities,
collaboration and trust is sometimes difficult to achieve. There are diverse
groups involved including four State government agencies, for-profit and
non-profit organizations, service providers, advocacy organizations, and
families and individuals with I/DD.
Primary Question
Can patterns of communication among stakeholders reveal
leaders, partners, and more efficient ways to communicate?
Data
The data could be collected through surveys and interviews.
Given that there has been a culture of mistrust between groups, this data may
be difficult to collect. Also there are many different types of groups across
the State. As a result a select number from each group would be selected that
fit into one of the three level of experience categories with two topics: I/DD
issues and their specific organization. The levels of experience would be: (1)
0 – 2 years, (2) 2 – 5 years, and (3) 5 years and beyond. This can show how
individuals of different levels of experience are interacting with each other
within their organization and with others. Also this question can show if the
individuals with the most experience are consulted on policy decisions for the next
following two questions.
Frequency of communication is also a concern. Frequency can
indicate which partners that a group prefers to interact with the most. Level
of frequency will be determined by four levels: (1) we communicate once a
month, (2) we communicate once a week, (3) we communicate a few times a week,
and (4) we communicate every day.
A concern voiced by the community is that their voice in not
incorporated into policy decisions. As a result, another question to ask each
group participant is, whom do you listen to about I/DD policy and concerns?
This type of communication could be ranked on three levels: (1) I listen but do
not act, (2) I listen and I am influenced by their recommendations, and (3) I
listen and I act upon their recommendations. This can show if I/DD policy
formation is appropriating engaging the public since a main requirement of the
agreement was for an increased level of collaboration.
In addition, certain groups prefer to communicate in certain
ways. For example, an I/DD individual may prefer to explain their need or concern
on a recorded tape; however, the policy currently requires them to come in
person for a round table meeting where they may feel uncomfortable. Each group
could be asked an open-ended question regarding how they prefer to communicate.
If there are similarities between groups that communicate frequently then they
could possibly change the way that they receive and give information.
Conclusion
The purpose of this exercise would be to provide a social
map to all interested stakeholders in the state to show them how they
communicate and currently collaborate. It is possible that this diagnostic tool
can show the State agencies and the I/DD community where gaps in collaboration
exist. The State agencies can use these
questions as a barometer of their performance in civic engagement.
Referenced: Chung, Kon Shing Kenneth. "Community Building through Online Social Networks: Evolution and Engagement." (2011).
1 comment:
Good analysis of attribute data needed to answer your question, as well as survey response examples. Real-world applicability is good too, though you do identify the communications challenges inherent in some of these relationships. Your question is focused and pertinent to an SNA.
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