How can you address power dynamics in your research project?

1 Identify the sources of power

The first step to address power dynamics is to identify the sources of power that may affect your research project. Power can come from different factors, such as expertise, authority, resources, culture, gender, race, class, or location. For example, you may have more power than your research participants if you have more education, funding, or access to decision-makers. Or you may have less power than your research partners if they have more influence, legitimacy, or connections in the local context. You can use tools such as power mapping, stakeholder analysis, or reflexivity to identify the sources of power and how they shape your research relationships.

2 Involve and empower your research participants

The second step to address power dynamics is to involve and empower your research participants in the research process. This means that you should not treat them as passive subjects or beneficiaries, but as active agents and co-creators of knowledge. You can do this by using participatory or collaborative methods, such as co-design, co-research, or co-evaluation, that enable your participants to have a say in defining the research questions, methods, data, analysis, and dissemination. You can also provide them with opportunities to learn, share, and act on the research findings, and to challenge or change the power structures that affect them.

4 Communicate and share your research responsibly

The fourth step to address power dynamics is to communicate and share your research responsibly with the relevant audiences and stakeholders. This means that you should not use your research to advance your own interests, reputation, or career, but rather to contribute to the social impact and positive change that you aim to achieve. You can do this by using clear, accessible, and inclusive language and formats, such as plain language summaries, podcasts, or infographics, that make your research understandable and useful for different groups. You can also ensure that your research is transparent, ethical, and accountable, and that you acknowledge and respect the rights, roles, and contributions of your research participants and partners.

5 Reflect and learn from your research practice

The fifth step to address power dynamics is to reflect and learn from your research practice and its outcomes. This means that you should not consider your research as a one-off or fixed activity, but rather as an ongoing and dynamic process that requires continuous improvement and adaptation. You can do this by using reflective and learning tools, such as journals, portfolios, or peer reviews, that help you to assess and improve your research skills, competencies, and impact. You can also seek and incorporate feedback and learning from your research participants, partners, and audiences, and use it to inform your future research actions and decisions.

6 Collaborate and network with other researchers

The sixth step to address power dynamics is to collaborate and network with other researchers who share your interest and commitment to social impact. This means that you should not work in isolation or competition, but rather in cooperation and solidarity with other researchers who can support, challenge, and inspire you. You can do this by joining or creating research networks, communities, or platforms, such as online forums, webinars, or podcasts, that facilitate the exchange of ideas, resources, and opportunities. You can also participate in or organize research events, such as workshops, conferences, or festivals, that showcase and celebrate the diversity and creativity of social impact research.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?