Chapter 4: Relationships
Overview of contents
- Many things impact on research relationships
Establishing research relationships
- Types of research relationships
Relationships at the project site
Relationships within the project team
Relationships with project managers
Relationships with people who support the project
- Working at the project site
Introducing yourself at the site
Case story – A health service’s criteria for a research partnership
Working together
Case story – Identifying community groups in south-west Sydney
Tips for good working relationships
Case Story – Building relationships for a clinical study
Good manners
Communication tips
Intercultural training and resources
Community relationship issues for Indigenous researchers
- Relationships within the project team
Team relationships are learning relationships
Case story – Research values are team values: a way of working
Long-distance relationships and multiple research sites
Supervisor–researcher relationships
- Relationships with people/organisations who oversee the project
Funding organisationsSteering and advisory/reference groups
Managing relationships with the project advisory group and keeping members engaged
If a relationship loses direction
University/organisation managers and administrators
- Relationships with people/organisations who support the project
Support from peak bodies
Case story – What a peak body looks for in a research partnership
Support from other researchers and organisations doing similar work
- A partnership model for research relationships
Good relationships need time
Case story – Strong research built on a long relationship
- Key messages for researchers
Useful websites:
Excerpt from Chapter 4
Research relationships are working partnerships between researchers and others involved in research. The link between productive, trusting relationships and quality research is well established in Indigenous health research. The need for good relationships is emphasised in Indigenous research forums, protocols and ethics guidelines, and the Indigenous research values that are needed for spirit and integrity in research all describe relationships and interactions. How does a researcher ‘build’ these relationships, and with whom?
Most researchers think about relationships between researchers and participants at the research site. Although these relationships are critical, other relationships are needed for successful, ethical Indigenous health research. This chapter identifies those different relationships. It gives tips for good practice when working with the individuals, groups, organisations and institutions involved in research projects.
To read the full chapter, purchase a copy of Researching Indigenous Health: A Practical Guide for Researchers.