Webinar

How to Build a Research Agenda That Will Transform Your Association

Webinar Overview

This webinar addresses a common challenge faced by associations: despite recognizing the value of data-driven decision-making, many struggle to effectively implement research programs that deliver actionable insights.

During this session, our team explored the three stages of data maturity and provided an assessment to evaluate your organization’s current state.

According to the webinar poll results, most attendees (78%) identified their organization as "data informed," indicating they understand the value of research but may struggle with implementation challenges such as survey fatigue, siloed data collection and difficulty transforming data into action.

Key Insights

Data maturity is an organizational challenge, not just a methodological one. Success requires addressing culture, coordination and implementation processes.
Survey fatigue is widespread and extends beyond just your organization's research. Members are constantly asked for feedback from various sources, making focused, targeted research even more important.
Research needs structure and purpose. Many organizations collect data habitually without clear strategic objectives, leading to underutilized insights.

Action Steps

Assess your organization's data maturity level and identify specific pain points. Talk to staff at all levels and volunteer leaders to understand their relationship with data.
Develop a three-year research agenda that progresses from foundation-building to focused studies.
Focus on quality over quantity in research design, such as creating shorter, more targeted surveys addressing specific strategic needs.

By following these steps, associations can create coordinated research efforts that meaningfully inform decision-making and drive organizational success.