Stakeholder voices through rich pictures

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate, through an example taken from a recent research project, how rich pictures could be used to more effectively evaluate the delivery of projects. It has as its focus a detailed account of the process of identifying, interviewing and co-developing rich pictures with research respondents. Design/methodology/approach – The paper reports on research that undertook a soft systems methodology (SSM) combined with an action learning approach. Findings – The authors provided, one of eight rich pictures developed as part of a PhD study that used rich pictures as part of wider SSM study into understanding project management best practice. Key findings pertaining to this paper are summarised as follows: rich pictures provide a sound and holistic means to capture context, meaning and impact of situations that are often very difficult to document; use of the more use of artistic and cultural flow of colour, diagrams and symbols in the rich pictures presented a significantly improved resolution of such intangible aspects on a physical artefact such as a picture simply because colour, flow, models and symbols can act as suitable proxy to understanding and resolution; and researcher needs to have an open mind and be rigorous in questioning and interacting with interviewees. Research limitations/implications – This was based on one study only and serves to illustrate the value of an approach rather than a template to be generally used. Practical implications – This provides practical “how to” guidance on developing rich pictures within a SSM research approach. Social implications – The paper illustrates how to portray participants in a particularly sensitive case resulting from a natural disaster. This approach may help people to better express their experiences and to give them a clearer voice in telling their story. Originality/value – The major new contribution that the paper stress this paper makes is one of not only demonstrating that rich picture development is a powerful sensemaking tool but the paper also illustrates how it can be implemented and the authors demonstrated how it allows stakeholders to have a strong and influential voice in project conception and delivery. In reflecting on the use of this tool the paper suggests that it can be effectively applied or adapted for use in a range of disaster recovery situations and even wider in the resolution of purposeful programme development for all range of challenging projects.

Project Stakeholder Management—Past and Present

“…Other interesting contributions related to stakeholder analysis are Heravi, Coffey, and Trigunarsyah () who discuss how to evaluate the level of stakeholder involvement during the project planning processes of building projects, and Walker and Maqsood () who propose that stakeholder voices can be heard through the construction of “rich pictures.”…”

Prioritization of strategic initiatives in the context of natural disaster prevention

“…The ultimate goal is to support the design of a people-centered drought monitoring system. SSM is employed by Walker et al (2014) as a collaborative situational analysis tool for disaster recovery projects, and by Wienke and Mustafee (2015) for the development of conceptual models in the context of disaster operations management (DOM) and emergency operations research (EOR). Cerqua and Rapicetta (2014) discuss the importance of involving the community and other stakeholders in the phases of mitigation and recovery of the disaster management cycle.…”

Relationship between Stakeholders Perceptions of Project Success and Project Planning

“…A survey that was done by Varajão, Dominguez, Ribeiro, & Paiva (2014) on various firms reveal that there is a close relationship between the firm's performance and its internal organization. The internal structure of an organization according to Walker, Steinfort, & Maqsood, (2014) determines the successful delivery of goals and objectives. The gap between project success and its planning procedures is bridged by the integration of human resource and other stakeholders which majorly take part in the very execution of the project (Whitley 2006).…”