Establishing and maintaining relationships is fundamental to the assessment process. Contrary to a simplistic expectation that such relationships will just ‘happen’, they require attention and work.
Research relationships, like all relationships, are shaped by the interactions between those involved. The manner in which you approach and participate in these relationships is as important as the process (the mode and means of interaction). On-the-spot completion of a structured interview might require an immediate rapport, but many of the methods involve repeated interactions or respondents participating in multiple activities, which in extended studies can take place over periods of several months.
Whether individuals are part of an extended engagement or responding to a spontaneous request for participation, issues of trust are significant. Factors to consider in establishing relationships of trust include:
Being clear and transparent about the research, readily contactable for questions, and sharing information through multiple channels.
During the case studies it was helpful to have information available online (via the project website), to complement in-person discussions and hard copy information sheets, posters and notices.
Time spent at a site can help with relationship development, even when participants are themselves at a distance. Returning multiple times to a site or repeatedly engaging with community members also demonstrates a sincere interest and commitment.
Working remotely is easier once relationships have already been established. There may be limitations in some contexts to the relationship development and collaboration that can be initiated from a distance.
The connection to memories and identity means that social values assessments have the potential to provoke emotional responses. Emotions are not only expressed narratively, with people describing how they feel, but are reflected in respondent’s expressions, manner, and the cadence of their speech.
The emotional work not only consists of attending to participants’ emotions. Establishing genuine relationships is a two-way process, in which you can expect to be asked to share your own memories, motivations, and feelings towards the sites.
The emotional and intellectual effort required for truly engaged social research is significant. There may be situations where it is necessary to schedule interviews or other activities close together, but try to build-in the time needed for reflection and recuperation between interactions.
The assessment is impacted by and has an effect on evolving contexts and shifting fields of relationships.
The need for sensitivity is particularly apparent when engaging directly around a ‘live issue’. In such situations:
- Personal and professional affiliations can become more relevant, with participants being more cautious regarding where you are positioned vis-à-vis their interests.
- If you or the research process are perceived as impartial or conflicting with community agendas, securing participation and even continuing the assessment may become quite difficult.
- Participants may co-opt the assessment as an opportunity to have their views heard or try to leverage the research in support of their position.
- Highly charged live issues can also dominate the research context or specific interactions. In such a ‘hot’ context, the risk of negative impacts or exacerbating tensions has to be carefully considered before intervening. This may mean adjusting your plans in the moment in response to an evolving situation.
More generally, retaining a sensitivity to participants’ other commitments and priorities helps in building relationships of trust and respect.