Policy and Research Communication
Communicate research findings or policy recommendations, guidelines, summary, etc. to the relevant stakeholders (ministers, public officials, corporate partners, citizens, etc.) using communication methods
Type
Functional
Competency Area
Public Policy
Levels
Understands the basics of policy and research communication
Describes the difference between opinion, idea, experience, and evidence (along with underlying assumptions)
Understands the role of communication towards the development of positive interventions by policy makers and governments or the takeup of beneficial interventions by intended citizens
Comprehends complex policies/reports by government commissions/committees, or opinions, ideas and experiences of subject-matter experts
Recognises the different tools available for policy and research communication - verbal, non-verbal, written
Is able to break down information into three stages of communication: connect the dots of information, convey the right information and compel and induce action from the stakeholders
Understands the role of different communication models (namely publicity, public information model, two-way asymmetrical model and two-way symmetrical model) in drafting communication ideas
Assembles the various components of communication strategy
Classifies different kinds of stakeholders and the communication tools and language/s most suitable for each
Interprets, translates, or synthesises complex policies/reports by government commissions/committees, or opinions, ideas and experiences of subject-matter experts into a language, format and context that is most suitable for the identified stakeholders
Identifies the technical barriers (internet access, financial constraints/IEC budget, lack of equipment, etc.) and other relevant factors (cultural differences, length of communication, socio-economic status, etc.) that can affect communication
Prepares a feasible and outcome-focused communication strategy based on the stakeholders, technical barriers, and other relevant factors identified
Identifies inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs for each of the three stages of policy communication
Designs systems and processes around communications
Articulates (pitches) the strengths and weaknesses of various policy options or research findings with the aim to fully inform and build consensus in the stakeholders
Reviews communication strategies and provides feedback for improvement
Establishes organisational awareness to produce logical and consistent communication channels and tools
Devises mechanisms to generate robust and credible data on the impact of communication strategies and refines communication strategies accordingly
Determines tools and techniques corresponding to the three stages of policy communication
Innovates communication strategies in complex situations
Advocates for a specific policy option or research finding with the aim to influence the outcome as per the objectives set
Instils techniques for outcome-focused communication across the three stages of policy communication
Presents effective communication channels by evaluating data and information on variations in the stakeholders from atypical sources
Innovates new individual/cluster-specific communication tools to navigate the twenty-first-century influence of communication on the public (eg. visual rhetoric, human-centric design, etc.)
Leads quality assurance of communication strategies with the specific goal of inducing action in the stakeholders