A policy relationship map uses the business network analysis methodology to elicit the capacity of an organisation to effectively engage in its activities. It provides the ability to examine quantitatively, qualitatively, and graphically macro linkages between nodes, where nodes are documents, policies or even business functions. A connection between two or more nodes means there is some sort of relationship and information should be consistent between them.

Policy relationship maps provide a powerful way to understand how work, documents and policy relate to each other. For example a procedure may be specified in one document, and this procedure may be guided by a policy at another level, or even from another organisation. It is important to keep the two documents in synchronisation, and understand their amendment status.

Specifically a policy relationship map can be used at the level of business units, departments or organisations to:

• Identify and then integrate current practice across core processes.
• Ensure internal consistency between documents and policies.
• Understand inter-departmental document relationships.
• Identify opportunities for knowledge flow improvements.

Please e-mail Knowledge Matters™ if you want to know more.