Key Metrics of Social Licence

Written By

Phillips Group

This insight post is a summary of the original blog post authored by Helen Hutchings of Phillips Group. View the original post, Four key metrics of social licence.

A recent report released by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia discusses the realization by industry that a social licence is a critical aspect when planning and delivering infrastructure. Introducing new infrastructure must provide a benefit for the community. 

It’s good to talk about social licence but, how do you know if you have one? The outward manifestation of a lack of social licence can be either a small hardcore group of protagonists or a representation of how the wider community feels.

The best way to understand social licence is to measure it. You can use statistically valid research to uncover insights that will help you understand the issues and themes uncovered through your community.

While there are several ways to measure social licence, Worldcom partners at Phillips Group have adapted and tested the Boutilier model which measures four key metrics of social licence. 

Economic legitimacy

Does the project provide an economic benefit to the community, such as jobs or opening new trade opportunities?

Socio-political legitimacy

Does the project improve quality of life for the community, such as removing congestion or improving safety?

As you analyze the results of social licence, keep in mind that the higher the score the closer the project will be to achieving the buy-in from the community and stakeholders. 

To learn the other two key metrics of social licence, Read Phillips group post Four key metrics of social licence, or other Partner insights on Social Media.

Phillips Group is an award-winning, strategic Public Relations, Communications, Digital Marketing and Creative company based in Brisbane, Queensland. Since 1976, Phillips Group has provided their expertise in Corporate, Infrastructure, Energy & Resources, Public Sector and Stakeholder Engagement to clients