Navigating the Circle of Control from the Perspective on the Allotment Association- A Prelude to Field Research

2024-03-12

Committing to any research endeavour demands meticulous preparation and a clear understanding of the variables within one's control. As I gear up for field research, I've embraced the concept of the "circle of control" to ensure a methodical approach and maximise the effectiveness of my efforts.

As a reminder, here is, what the circle of control is all about: It is a concept popularised by Stephen Covey in his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," which delineates between aspects of our lives that we can influence and those we cannot. (Watch this YouTube video for a simple introduction to his theory.) Basically what it is saying is that by focusing our energy on what lies within our sphere of influence, we empower ourselves to effect meaningful change and navigate challenges more adeptly.

Returning to my thesis and research focus, I am presently immersed in field-testing the concept of the circle of control to deepen my understanding of allotment garden associations and their boards' capacity for influence. Collaborating closely with a fellow board member who generously agreed to participate in the testing, I have administered a three-question survey. This survey is meticulously designed to extract essential insights crucial for comprehensively grasping the concept. This real-world validation stage is pivotal for refining the survey questions, ensuring they effectively capture the nuances inherent in the circles of control."

By actively involving stakeholders and soliciting feedback on my approach, I'm dedicated to enhancing the quality and relevance of my research. This iterative process not only validates the initial framework but also fosters a deeper understanding of the dynamics within the circles of control.

I've created a Miro Board to visually represent the circles of control, complete with three concentric rings. Each ring signifies a different level of influence: what is within the direct control of the board or association, what is influenceable, and what lies beyond the board or association's control. Additionally, I have included an explanation of the concept alongside the survey questions in German.

For those interested in exploring the current state of my research, I invite you to access the Miro Board via this link. Here, you'll find a comprehensive overview of my methodology, including the visual representation of the circles of control and the accompanying survey questions. Your insights and observations are invaluable as I continue to refine my methodology and advance our collective understanding of this fundamental concept.