From rhetoric to reality: planning and conducting collaborations for international research in the global south

Abstract

International collaboration in social work research, particularly research in the global south, presents unique opportunities for the personal and professional development of researchers and students alike. Yet data to help direct the process are limited. Using a research project recently carried out in Ghana as background, the authors present some guidelines for planning and conducting international research collaborations and underline challenges and opportunities in each. Factors highlighted include the process of building a collaboration, development of a research plan, funding and budget concerns, human subject considerations, sample selection, issues in collecting and analyzing data, and dissemination of research findings. Throughout, the authors address the role of respect, mutuality, and science in the conduct of international research in resource-constrained countries.