“Sometimes our group makes decisions to pursue things that we later find don’t make a lot of difference or could make a difference but are out of our control. How can we avoid these problems?”
#9 Impact and Changeability Analysis
What is Impact and Changeability Analysis?
Impact and Changeability Analysis is a decision-making technique that helps a meeting group to isolate and focus on the options that will have the most impact on their organizational goals. In addition, this technique identifies the options that are within their authority to change. This technique results in increased efficiency of effort and improved implementation.
When to Use Impact and Changeability Analysis
- When your group must choose between options
- When not all options under consideration will have high impact on organizational goals
- When not all options under consideration are within the control of the group
How to Use Impact and Changeability Analysis
1. After your group has brainstormed a list of options, goals or solutions to a problem, introduce Impact and Changeability Analysis and describe its purpose. You might say, for example, “In order to make sure that any actions we take will have a significant impact and also that they are within our control to change, let’s use a technique called Impact and Changeability Analysis to help us focus our efforts.”
2. Ask the group to numerically rate each of the proposed options on a scale of 1-10, and on the two following variables:
a. High or low impact on the business. You might ask, for example, “If this option is successfully implemented, will the impact on the business be high or low? Which number between 1 and 10 seems most appropriate?”
b. High or low level of changeability. “Does our group have a high or low level of authority in fixing this problem? If it is well within our control, we would rate it high, if it is not, we would rate it low. What number between 1 and 10 seems most appropriate here?”
Assign each option a specific letter (A, B, C, etc.) for identification so that it can be easily recognized when plotted on a pre-prepared chart or overhead similar to the one illustrated below.
3. Once the group has identified the numerical rating for each of the two variables, plot the group’s rating on the Impact and Changeability chart. Do this for each option.
4. After all the options have been plotted on your chart, analyze the results as a group. You might ask, for example, “What conclusions can we draw from what you see? What seem like the logical options on which to focus our energy?”
5. Decide as a group where to focus your energy and efforts. Create action plans to support implementation.
In Summary:
Impact and Changeability Analysis is a decision-making technique that helps a meeting group isolate and focus on the options that will have the most impact on their organizational goals. In addition, this technique identifies the options that are within their authority to change.
1. After your group has established a list of options, goals or solutions to a problem, describe the purpose of Impact and Changeability Analysis
2. Ask the group to numerically rate each of the proposed option on a scale of 1-10 and on the following two variables:
a. High or low impact on the business.
b. High or low level of changeability.
Assign each option a letter (A, B, C, etc.) so that it can easily be identified when it is plotted.
3. Plot the group’s rating on the Impact and Changeability chart. Do this for each option.
4. After all the options have been plotted on your chart, analyze the results as a group.
5. Decide as a group where to focus your energy and efforts. Create action plans to support implementation.
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