What are the best practices for communicating algorithm social impact to stakeholders?

2 Identify relevant stakeholders

Stakeholders are the people or entities that have an interest or stake in the algorithm, either directly or indirectly. They can be internal or external to your organization, and they can have different roles, perspectives, and expectations. For example, some common stakeholders are: clients who commission the algorithm, users who interact with the algorithm, regulators who oversee the algorithm, and the public who may be affected by the algorithm. You should identify and prioritize the most relevant stakeholders for your algorithm, and understand their needs, concerns, and goals.

3 Choose appropriate communication methods

Communication methods are the ways you convey information and messages about your algorithm to your stakeholders. They can be formal or informal, verbal or written, visual or auditory, and interactive or passive. For example, some common communication methods are: reports, presentations, demos, websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, newsletters, surveys, feedback forms, workshops, webinars, and interviews. You should choose the communication methods that suit your audience, purpose, and context, and that are clear, concise, and consistent.

4 Explain algorithm design and implementation

Algorithm design and implementation are the processes and decisions that shape how your algorithm works, such as the data sources, inputs, outputs, models, parameters, metrics, and testing methods. You should explain these aspects of your algorithm to your stakeholders, using plain language, examples, and visual aids. You should also highlight the trade-offs, assumptions, limitations, and uncertainties that affect your algorithm, and how you address them. For example, you can use code snippets , flowcharts , tables , or graphs to illustrate your algorithm.

5 Describe algorithm outcomes and impacts

Algorithm outcomes and impacts are the results and effects of your algorithm on your stakeholders and society, such as the performance, accuracy, reliability, usability, and satisfaction of your algorithm, and the benefits, harms, risks, or opportunities of your algorithm. You should describe these aspects of your algorithm to your stakeholders, using data, evidence, and stories. You should also acknowledge and address the potential or actual ethical and social issues that arise from your algorithm, such as bias, discrimination, privacy, security, or accountability.

6 Solicit and respond to feedback

Feedback is the input and opinions that you receive from your stakeholders about your algorithm, such as the questions, comments, suggestions, complaints, or compliments. You should solicit and respond to feedback from your stakeholders, using respectful, empathetic, and constructive language. You should also incorporate the feedback into your algorithm design and implementation, and communicate the changes and improvements to your stakeholders. For example, you can use online platforms , email , phone , or in-person meetings to communicate with your stakeholders.

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?