Level of shared language among group members

Indicator Number: 
67

Category: 

Logic Model Component: 

Data Type(s): 
Categorical scale, qualitative
Short Definition: 

Measures the extent to which participant have a shared language where language refers to the way in which participants exchange information, ask questions, and generally interact with each other.

Definition and Explanation (Long): 

This indicator measures the extent to which group members have a shared language. Language refers to the way in which group members exchange information, ask questions, and generally interact with each other. Shared language includes domain-related acronyms, jargon, terms, and other subtleties and underlying assumptions that arise from working with a professional domain (Chiu et al., 2006).

Data Requirements: 

Self-report quantitative data using Likert scales to determine level of shared language; self-reported qualitative data describing level of shared language

Data Sources: 

Surveys, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions

Frequency of Data Collection: 
Periodically (before, during, and after specific activities)
Purpose: 
The aim of this indicator is to determine the extent to which group members have a shared language. Many global health professionals belong to communities that help advance the field by discussing shared challenges and discovering solutions. Having a shared language allows people to better access others' information, enhances learning, facilitates an understanding of common goals, and generally expedites communication (Chiu et al., 2006; Nahapiet & Ghoshal, 1998; Lesser & Storck, 2001).
Issues and Challenges: 
Shared language positively affects knowledge quality but does not significantly impact the quantity of knowledge sharing (Chiu et al., 2006). Further research is required to better understand the role of shared language across modalities (online or face-to-face).

Published Year: 

  • 2017
Last Updated Date: 
Wednesday, December 13, 2017