Strategic Action Center

Power Structure Analysis

Power Structure Analysis involves the examination of the economic, political, and social networks that give an entity (corporation, organization, individual) its ability to act. Power, according to Webster's, is "the ability to act."

The depth of the examination can vary according to goals and budget. The most thorough, a forensic examination, involves a "leave no stone unturned" approach. The investigative phase of this forensic approach involves a great deal of on-the-ground research, interviews with many key players, former players, etc. Often the most useful information is in the minds of individuals.

Where science and art intersect is in determining the difference between interesting information and useful information.

Power structure analysis involves identifying and assessing vulnerabilities. Power-based and vulnerability-based research is needed, and is different from the kind of standard research often conducted by progressive organizations.

We follow the money – where is credit coming from? Where is the organization investing or expanding? And we follow the people – who are the decision makers, and what makes them tick? This is all based on self interest and relationships.

Power structure analysis is used to inform the development of strategy. It is imperative that the analysis be directed toward the adversary, and toward our own organization. Successful strategy comes from matching our strengths to their weaknesses. Without self analysis, we can't really know the strengths at our disposal.