SPEaR Good Practice Guidelines 2008: Principles: Responsiveness
Responsiveness
The methods of engagement and the technologies of research of all researchers and evaluators should ensure they acknowledge, understand and respond to differences in institutional, professional and cultural practice, including the appropriate provision of means (e.g. venue and time) for a suitable level of engagement.
Rationale
To conduct effective inquiries researchers need to be able to collaborate with contractors, stakeholders and participants from a range of disciplinary, professional and cultural backgrounds, and be able to respond to variations in technical and cultural practices, systems and protocols. Research activity that is both ethical and proficient requires engagement that is grounded in an honest exchange of information about the aims of the research, the methodologies and methods, the potential outcomes and the mechanisms for disseminating results. Responsive engagement processes should facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise on all aspects of the design and conduct of research and evaluation. Responsive, ethical and appropriate engagement requires researchers to actively protect participants by identifying and observing relevant cultural values and practices whenever possible. Social sector researchers need to be responsive to their policy and service delivery colleagues by actively seeking and responding to their information requirements.
Anticipated benefits of responsiveness guidelines include:
- enhanced input from, and involvement of, social sector policy and service delivery officials
- increased ability of purchasers to assess the capabilities and approaches of possible contractors
- increased likelihood of participation by individuals, organisations and communities
- increased technical, professional and cultural standards of the social sector R and E
- enhanced development of policies and services that reflect the needs of 'at risk' individuals and communities
- enhanced appropriateness of R & E involving the widely different ethnic and cultural communities throughout New Zealand.
