At the recent 2024 Sunbelt Network Analysis Conference, we had the opportunity to present on a crucial topic: “Making Metrics Meaningful: Reporting SNA Results to Community Stakeholders for Sensemaking and Action.” This session focused on the importance of translating social network analysis (SNA) results into actionable insights for network members, emphasizing the ethical and practical challenges of sharing these findings.
Here are some of the biggest takeaways from the session, including examples of the ways member profiles and dashboards on the PARTNER CPRM platform can help you make SNA data and insights more accessible to the community and other members of your network.
Sharing Network Data for Collective Decision-Making
At Visible Network Labs, our mission revolves around strengthening social connectedness using network science and technology. We are committed to community engagement and data democratization, ensuring that all stakeholders can access and leverage the data they help create. Our platform, PARTNER, is designed to help communities construct and visualize their network data, making it accessible and actionable for all stakeholders.
Challenges and Approaches in Disseminating Network Findings
One of the core challenges discussed by our Director of Data Science, Dr. Jenny Lawlor, was the difficulty in disseminating network findings to members who contribute data but don’t always receive updates. To address this, we explored various approaches for sharing results with network member organizations, using case studies to illustrate effective strategies.
Customizable Dashboards and Member Profiles
A key solution presented was the creation of customizable dashboards and member profiles for networks. These tools provide tailored insights, helping members understand their roles within the network. Our platform updates automatically as new data comes in, offering real-time insights to a broad audience. This dynamic approach ensures that all members have the latest information to inform their decisions.
Case Study 1 : Keeping Forest Coalition Social Network Analysis
Mapping Collaboration for Environmental Conservation
We highlighted a compelling case study on the Keeping Forests project, an environmental conservation network in the southern United States. This network analysis aimed to understand the current state of partnerships, identify next steps, and facilitate resource sharing among members.
Highlight: Sharing and Leveraging Member Profiles
The coalition choose to share profiles with all their members, and received significant positive feedback. We observed that members found network maps particularly helpful, as they provided information on resource contributions and relational value scores. It was noteworthy that the network saw high levels of trust, with members rating each other’s value and trustworthiness positively. This was a point of strength they hope to keep building on in the future.
Case Study 2: Jeffco CPRM Community Partner Database
Using Data for Community Needs and Analysis
Our CEO, Dr. Danielle Varda, then explained how data is analyzed and presented in a dashboard for a community partner relationship management system (CPRM). We showcased the public-facing CPRM for Jefferson County, Colorado, which includes dashboards for early childhood, food security, older adults, and workforce. These interactive network visualization tools are designed to enhance collective impact by allowing users to understand complex connections between organizations.
Highlight: Public-facing Network Visualization Tools
The dashboards provide public-facing links to interactive maps and summaries of network data, enabling users to grasp intricate network dynamics. This flexibility in data sharing supports community involvement in grant applications and network building. Moreover, the systematic evaluation and metrics highlighted by our second speaker support continuous improvement in network performance.
Conclusion: Using PARTNER CPRM to Share Community Insights
Our session at the 2024 Sunbelt Network Analysis Conference emphasized the importance of making SNA metrics meaningful for community stakeholders. By addressing confidentiality concerns, framing findings accessibly, and focusing on actionable metrics, we can ensure that SNA results drive sensemaking and action. Tools like customizable dashboards and member profiles are instrumental in this process, providing personalized insights and visual data representations that empower network members to engage, collaborate, and create positive change.
Take the Next Step: Request a Demo!
Learn how PARTNER CPRM can transform your community engagement and data utilization. Schedule a custom demo to see the tools in action and discover how they can strengthen your network.
