The concept of collective impact was first outlined in a 2011 Stanford Social Innovation Review article by Kania and Kramer. The article described collective impact as the commitment of a group of actors from different sectors to a common agenda for solving a specific social problem.
The core components of collective impact are:
- Common agenda: Participants agree on a shared vision for change, including a common understanding of the problem (Defining Boundaries) and a joint approach with agreed-upon actions.
- Shared measurement system: Identification of common metrics to track progress and success, allowing partners to be accountable to one another based on their collective efforts towards shared goals.
- Mutually reinforcing activities: Coordination of efforts so that diverse activities complement and support each other toward achieving common goals.
- Continuous communication: Regular and open communication to foster trust, collaboration, and motivation among the collective.
- Backbone support organization: A dedicated, separate organization and staff are essential to plan, manage, and support the initiative.
Kania and Kramer describe the example of Strive, which brought together 300 leaders from various sectors in Cincinnati to address student achievement. They focused the entire educational community on a single set of goals with a shared vision for change. This was supported by shared measurement systems, where all participating organizations agreed to measure results using the same criteria, enabling them to identify patterns and rapidly implement solutions. Mutually reinforcing activities were facilitated through a set of smaller networks, allowing each organization to undertake specific activities that supported the overarching plan without Strive having to prescribe particular practices. Continuous communication was maintained through biweekly meetings of the SSNs and Strive itself served as the backbone support organization, providing dedicated staff, structured processes, and logistical support.
Since its introduction, the Collective Impact model has evolved through practitioner feedback and critique. A Collective Impact Forum was created and organizations like the Tamarack Institute proposed significant upgrades to the original framework.
Deeper Dive
- Kania, J, and M Kramer. Collective Impact. Stanford Social Innovation Review, 9(1), 36–41, 2011.
- The Tamarack Collective Impact Toolkit.
- Cheuy S. Learnings From 10 Years of Collective Impact. Tamarack Institute, 2022.
Related Frameworks
- Alignment to Coherence: additional strategies to help create the shift
- Community of Practice: supports building common agenda and shared practice
- Complexity Theory of Outcome Creation: another frame for core capabilities to enable impact
- Defining Boundaries: a key process for establishing a common agenda
- Process of Building Trust: key features enabling the trust necessary to achieve collective impact