What are the best methods for aligning measurement and evaluation with your organization's strategy?

1 Define your objectives and indicators

The first step for aligning measurement and evaluation with your organization's strategy is to define your communication objectives and indicators. Your objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), and aligned with your organization's vision, mission, and values. Your indicators should be clear, relevant, and verifiable, and reflect the outcomes and outputs of your communication activities. You should also consider the different levels of measurement and evaluation, such as input, output, outcome, and impact, and how they relate to your objectives and indicators.

3 Collect and analyze your data

The third step for aligning measurement and evaluation with your organization's strategy is to collect and analyze your data. You should follow ethical and professional standards for data collection and analysis, and ensure the quality, accuracy, and security of your data. You should also use appropriate techniques and software for data analysis, such as descriptive, inferential, or content analysis, and visualize your data using charts, graphs, tables, or maps. You should also compare your data with your objectives, indicators, and benchmarks, and identify any gaps, trends, or patterns.

4 Report and communicate your results

The fourth step for aligning measurement and evaluation with your organization's strategy is to report and communicate your results. You should tailor your reports and communication materials to your different audiences, such as internal stakeholders, external partners, donors, or the public, and use clear, concise, and compelling language and visuals. You should also highlight your achievements, challenges, and lessons learned, and provide recommendations for improvement and action. You should also use different channels and formats for your reports and communication materials, such as online platforms, newsletters, presentations, or infographics.

5 Use your results for learning and improvement

The fifth step for aligning measurement and evaluation with your organization's strategy is to use your results for learning and improvement. You should not just report and communicate your results, but also use them to inform your decision-making, planning, and implementation processes. You should also use your results to demonstrate your accountability, credibility, and value to your stakeholders, and to advocate for your communication goals and priorities. You should also use your results to identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and to adjust and adapt your communication strategies and tactics accordingly.

6 Review and update your measurement and evaluation plan

The sixth and final step for aligning measurement and evaluation with your organization's strategy is to review and update your measurement and evaluation plan. You should not treat your measurement and evaluation plan as a static document, but as a dynamic and flexible tool that evolves with your communication context and needs. You should also monitor and evaluate your measurement and evaluation plan itself, and assess its effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance. You should also seek feedback and input from your stakeholders, and incorporate their suggestions and insights into your measurement and evaluation plan.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?