Preparation Exploration Negotiation Implementation
Researcher: I have devoted my life to studying this topic and I am confident that I know what I am talking about. Truth is truth, so stop telling me why my questions and methods aren’t applicable/possible here.
Practitioner: I do not like being treated I’m ignorant. I have technical expertise too! Moreover, I understand a lot about the context because I live it on a daily basis and can help you understand that better.
Convergence: Treat this as a true intellectual and operational partnership in which each partner is equally important for success. Both sides should appreciate that they have much to learn through this experience. Be cautious of academics who are “big names” in their technical field, but have little international or operational experience. Choose researchers that not only have technical expertise, but country and regional experience. Consider partnering with local in-country researchers.
Questions Researchers Can Ask:
What technical expertise do your team members have?
What contextual knowledge/expertise (social, cultural, political, etc.) does your team have?
What experience does your team have conducting research and working with researchers? What methods are you familiar with?
Does your team have research ethics training? Do you have experience implementing data security measures to protect research populations from more powerful stakeholders?
What research/evidence have you used to inform your approach to implementation?
Questions Practitioners Can Ask:
How does your past research experience relate to this project?
What experience do you have in developing countries? How much do you know about the local context?
What experience do you have working with development practitioners? How/Has your research been used by practitioners in the past?
Has this type of research been done before? In this context? What’s new/nuanced about what you’re proposing?
Are you able to design and produce research products with practical relevance to an array of stakeholders (e.g., donor, local partners, community stakeholders, etc.)?
Questions Both Can Ask:
What mutual value do each of our teams bring to the table?
What experience and interest do you have in this topic?