Goal

A benefit and barrier card (BBC) is a simple yet powerful tool used to facilitate discussions and analyse the potential impact of a proposed change. It helps individuals and groups systematically identify both the positive and negative aspects associated with implementing a new idea, program, or policy.

Benefits of using BBCs:
⦾ Promotes critical thinking: Encourages individuals to consider both the positive and negative aspects of change.
⦾ Improves communication: Provides a structured framework for discussing and sharing diverse perspectives.
⦾ Facilitates decision-making: Helps decision-makers weigh potential benefits against potential barriers.
⦾ Increases buy-in and ownership: Involving stakeholders in identifying barriers allows for developing solutions and fostering ownership of the change process.

Barriers to using BBCs:
⦾ Limited scope: BBCs may not capture all the nuances of complex situations.
⦾ Subjectivity: Identifying benefits and barriers can be subjective and influenced by individual biases.
⦾ Time commitment: Facilitating a BBC session can be time-consuming, especially with large groups.

Time

⦾ Small group (3-5 participants): 30-45 minutes
⦾ Medium group (6-10 participants): 45-60 minutes
⦾ Large group (11+ participants): 1-2 hours

Materials

⦾ Cards (with pre-printed prompts or blank for user input)
⦾ Pens
⦾ Sticky notes

Instructions

Tips

Encourage participants to express both positive and negative aspects freely. Ensure anonymity if discussing sensitive topics.

Background

The concept of BBCs emerged from the field of organizational development in the 1970s.

Attachments

You can download it in various formats below.

Tool Cases

Explore real-world applications of the Benefit & Barrier tool from the Proportion Global Community below. We also encourage you to upload your tool cases!

Benefits & Barriers to Digital Marketing Skills for young women in Nigeria