Category:

Recommended

Description and Purpose:

The advocacy self-assessment is a tool that can be used to consider the different factors affecting your policy issue.

Method:

Use the following diagram as a guide when considering the factors – hidden and exposed – that affect the process of change.

You can use the results to decide on how to manage these throughout the change process – remembering that those ‘under the water level’ need to be managed until the change is permanent.

Opponents have a negative attitude towards change, and negative behaviour towards this particular change. They need a change of perception and beliefs, as far as possible.

Promoters have a general positive attitude towards change, and behave positively towards this change. They view it as advantageous, so will promote it.

Hidden opponents have a negative attitude towards change, but appear to support this particular change. They need a change of perception and beliefs, supported by information.

Potential promoters a general positive attitude towards change, but are not yet convinced about this particular change. Power and politics management could help to make them promoters.

Even after the change has been accepted and agreed, the forces below water level need to be managed to prevent regression.