Strategies for Complex P2 and Engagement

Tackle complexity with confidence. This advanced course equips you with

practical tools to analyze, plan, and implement engagement strategies

in uncertain and challenging contexts.

About This Course

Complexity in public participation and engagement arises when issues are novel, unpredictable, interconnected, or politically sensitive. Traditional approaches often fall short in these environments.

This course introduces participants to models such as the Cynefin Framework and IAP2’s Practice Framework to help analyze complexity, build adaptive strategies, and design resilient engagement plans. Through case studies, planning tools, and peer review, you will apply learning directly to real-world contexts.

By the end, you will have the skills to design strategies that are context-appropriate, iterative, and aligned with IAP2 Core Values.

Key Benefits

Gain a clear framework for analyzing complexity in engagement processes
Learn how to distinguish between simple, complicated, complex, and chaotic systems
Strengthen your ability to develop adaptive and robust P2/engagement strategies
Apply structured planning tools to real case studies
Build skills in critical thinking, risk assessment, and peer review

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Why Take This Course

Engagement today often involves wicked problems like climate change, policy gridlock, misinformation, or sensitive social issues. These challenges demand more than technical skills. They require the ability to recognize patterns, test approaches, and adapt in real time.

By taking this course, you will:

Improve outcomes in projects where standard methods fail
Reduce risk by applying complexity-aware frameworks
Enhance trust, transparency, and legitimacy in decision-making
Build resilience into engagement strategies for long-term effectiveness

Expected Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Identify and explain the drivers of complexity in P2 and engagement
Map and assess sources of complexity across decision, implementation, community, and organizational factors
Apply the Cynefin Framework and other tools to diagnose system dynamics
Develop and justify strategies that are purposeful, context-appropriate, and iterative
Design engagement plans that integrate complexity strategies and risk management analysis
Anticipate how complexity may evolve across a project or organization over time
Confidently present and peer review engagement strategies