Systems Thinking & Stakeholder Mapping Portfolio Activity

Systems Thinking & Stakeholder Mapping Portfolio Activity

Overview

This activity supports the development of two key advocacy tools: a systems thinking diagram and a stakeholder map. Together, these tools help you analyze complex occupational therapy issues, identify points of influence, and plan strategic advocacy actions.

You will apply a systems thinking lens to a real or relevant issue and visually map both the system and the stakeholders involved.

Step 1: Identify an Advocacy Issue

Select a current or potential issue relevant to occupational therapy practice. This may be:

  • A barrier to client participation
  • A systems-level challenge (e.g., discharge planning, access to services, reimbursement)
  • A policy-related issue (e.g., licensure, service delivery, funding)

Prompt:
What is the issue you are focusing on, and why does it matter for occupational therapy?

Step 2: Create a Systems Thinking Diagram

Develop a visual diagram that represents the broader system surrounding your issue.

Your diagram should include:

  • Key components of the system (e.g., individuals, organizations, environments, policies)
  • Relationships between components (arrows or connections)
  • Areas where barriers or breakdowns occur
  • Potential leverage points for change

Guiding Questions:

  • What factors are contributing to this issue?
  • How are these factors connected?
  • Where do you see patterns or recurring challenges?
  • Where might small changes create meaningful impact?

Format Options:

  • Hand-drawn (then uploaded)
  • Canva, PowerPoint, Miro, or Lucidchart
  • Any visual format that clearly shows relationships and systems

Step 3: Develop a Stakeholder Map

Using your systems diagram, identify key stakeholders involved in or impacted by the issue.

Create a stakeholder map that includes:

  • Stakeholder name or group
  • Role or interest related to the issue
  • Level of influence (low, medium, high)
  • Level of interest (low, medium, high)
  • Potential strategy for engagement

You may choose to organize this as:

  • A table
  • A power-interest grid
  • A visual map

Guiding Questions:

  • Who is impacted by this issue?
  • Who has the power to influence change?
  • Who might support your efforts?
  • Who might resist or need additional engagement?

Step 4: Analyze & Prioritize

Write a brief reflection (1–2 paragraphs) addressing:

  • Which stakeholder(s) are your highest priority and why?
  • What is one realistic advocacy action you could take within this system?
  • How does your systems diagram inform your approach to advocacy?

Step 5: Connect to Advocacy Action

Based on your diagram and stakeholder map:

  • Identify one key message you would communicate
  • Identify one target stakeholder
  • Identify one method of engagement (e.g., email, meeting, coalition, digital advocacy)

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