1. Person or firm who created the framework
The Positive Deviance approach was developed by Jerry Sternin, Monique Sternin, and Richard Pascale.
2. Description of the framework
Positive Deviance is a change management approach that identifies and leverages uncommon but successful behaviors or strategies within a community or organization. These behaviors, known as “positive deviant behaviors,” enable individuals or groups to find better solutions to problems than their peers, despite having access to the same resources. The key steps in the Positive Deviance process include:
- Define the Problem: Clearly identify and define the problem that needs to be addressed.
- Determine Common Practices: Understand the common practices and behaviors related to the problem within the community or organization.
- Discover Positive Deviants: Identify individuals or groups who have found successful solutions to the problem using uncommon practices or behaviors.
- Design and Implement Interventions: Develop and implement interventions based on the positive deviant behaviors.
- Evaluate and Scale: Evaluate the impact of the interventions and scale successful practices across the organization.
3. The framework's "secret sauce"
The distinctive feature of the Positive Deviance approach is its focus on identifying and leveraging existing successful behaviors within the community or organization. This strengths-based approach empowers individuals and fosters innovation by highlighting solutions that are already working.
4. Situations for which the framework is particularly well suited
- Health and social change initiatives
- Organizational change and transformation efforts
- Performance improvement programs
- Community development projects
- Any context where leveraging existing successful behaviors can drive change
5. Practical instructions for using this framework
Step 1: Define the Problem
- Identify the Problem:
- Clearly define the problem that needs to be addressed.
- Ensure that the problem is specific, measurable, and relevant to the community or organization.
- Engage Stakeholders:
- Involve key stakeholders in defining the problem and understanding its impact.
- Ensure their commitment and support for addressing the problem.
Step 2: Determine Common Practices
- Conduct a Baseline Assessment:
- Use surveys, interviews, and observations to gather data on common practices and behaviors related to the problem.
- Understand the context and environment in which these practices occur.
- Analyze Data:
- Analyze the data to identify patterns and trends in common practices.
- Identify factors that contribute to the problem.
Step 3: Discover Positive Deviants
- Identify Positive Deviants:
- Identify individuals or groups who have found successful solutions to the problem using uncommon practices or behaviors.
- Use qualitative methods such as interviews and case studies to understand their strategies.
- Analyze Positive Deviant Behaviors:
- Analyze the behaviors and practices of positive deviants to identify key success factors.
- Understand the context and environment in which these behaviors occur.
Step 4: Design and Implement Interventions
- Develop Interventions:
- Design interventions based on the positive deviant behaviors.
- Ensure that the interventions are practical, actionable, and relevant to the community or organization.
- Implement Interventions:
- Implement the interventions using participatory methods that involve the community or organization.
- Provide support and resources to ensure successful implementation.
Step 5: Evaluate and Scale
- Evaluate Impact:
- Conduct regular evaluations to assess the impact of the interventions on the problem.
- Use quantitative and qualitative methods to gather data and feedback.
- Scale Successful Practices:
- Identify successful practices and strategies that can be scaled across the organization or community.
- Develop a plan for scaling and disseminating these practices.
- Foster Continuous Improvement:
- Encourage ongoing feedback and innovation to sustain progress.
- Provide continuous learning and development opportunities to build the capabilities needed for sustained success.
6. Further Reading
- “The Power of Positive Deviance: How Unlikely Innovators Solve the World’s Toughest Problems” by Richard Pascale, Jerry Sternin, and Monique Sternin
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