You may have heard the term: Factor C. Factor C is a much discussed communication method that often occurs in government agencies. Would you like to learn more about Factor C and what the possible applications of this method are? Here we explain what the methods are useful for and what the most important aspects are of this useful method.
What is Factor C?
Factor C is a communication method that helps policy and communication advisors to communicate strategically and structured together. The Factor C method ensures that the perspective of stakeholders is central (stakeholder management) so that the parties involved in a project are involved as effectively as possible.
The Factor C method: create customization and structure
The Factor C method was developed by the central government and consists of five clear pillars. The pillars each have different subtopics and steps to go through, allowing you to ultimately develop an overall strategy.
What do you use Factor C for?
The Factor C communication method is an indispensable framework in the field of communication. You use the method to communicate strategically and structured with stakeholders. The method thus offers a communications team, communications advisor or employee guidance in delivering a communications plan or strategy.
The method ensures that all relevant stakeholders are involved during this process, resulting in a more environmentally oriented communication strategy or plan.
Who uses Factor C?
The Factor C method was developed for policy and communication advisors of the (national) government, but can also be applied in other circles. For example, you can use the Factor C method as a framework to develop a communication strategy for a company or organization where it is important to communicate in an environmentally-oriented manner.
You adjust the Factor C method per project. The method is highly dependent on the situation and in certain situations it is important to pay more attention to some parts than others. Because you can easily tailor the method to your wishes, it is possible to apply it to numerous situations.
What are the five pillars of Factor C?
The Factor C method has 5 pillars. Each pillar has four subsections that guide the user of the method through the process. You can link the sub-components to advice, questions for help and working methods. After going through all the pillars, you will be able to draw up an overall communication strategy.
Pillar 1: Assignment
The first pillar of the Factor C method is the Assignment. This pillar consists of the subsections 'goal', 'initiative', 'phase', and 'measures'. The Assignment pillar aims to explain the issue. The perspective of the implementing organization and the stakeholders is central.
During this phase of the Factor C process, the implementer is expected to ask himself, among other things, 'What is the reason for the project?' and 'What is the exact context of the project?' It is also important in this phase to look at the objectives and what measures and instruments you use to achieve those goals, such as legislation or enforcement.
Pillar 2: Environment
The second pillar of the Factor C method is the Environment. This pillar contains the subsections 'actors', 'force field', 'relationships' and 'involvement'. In this phase of the Factor C process you look at which parties are involved in the project or which parties have interests. During this phase, ask yourself questions such as 'what influence do the stakeholders have and what is their role?' And 'what are the mutual relationships of those involved and stakeholders?'
During the Environment phase you make an environmental analysis that shows what information is still missing and how you can supplement this information.
Pillar 3: Strategy
The third pillar is Strategy and has four sub-components, namely 'target groups', 'results', 'approach' and 'frame'. In this phase you now have a good overview of your environment and plans and you choose a suitable communication strategy. It is important during this phase to choose which target groups you should approach, which frames exist and which communication frame you choose.
It is also important during the Strategy phase to look at which principles you use for communication. What should it achieve? This creates an even clearer picture of the final strategy.
Pillar 4: Story
The fourth pillar is about the project story that you convey. This pillar consists of the subsections 'listening', 'answering', 'umbrella stories', and 'tone'. You create a communication approach based on these components. During this phase it is important to arrive at a shared story. This shared story is the core message of the project.
To convey a good message and translate it properly to the target group, listening to the target group is an important step in this process. It is also important to constantly keep in mind the essence of the project during this phase and what tone matches it. This allows you to create a story that best suits both the target group and the project and desired result.
Pillar 5: Approach
Finally, the last pillar is the 'Approach'. This pillar concerns the ultimate implementation of the communication plan and consists of the subtopics 'resources', 'sender', 'calendar' and 'organization'.
The pillar focuses on carrying out a careful communication process in which you take all aspects into account. It is important to have the right resources, to make agreements about roles and tasks and to discuss (final) responsibilities and finances.
The Approach phase also often focuses on substantive and process milestones, in which communication activities play a role. Properly formulating the Approach phase is very important. This ensures that everything runs smoothly and that you meet deadlines without any worries.
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