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3-Jun, 2014

Pacific Leadership Program Action Research

Mereani Rokotuibau (PLP)Chris Roche (La Trobe University)

Why Action Research?

Apr 21, 2023

Then a miracle occurs …

Why Action Research?

Apr 21, 2023

• Complements more orthodox Monitoring & Evaluation • Permits intangible processes of changing power relations

and collective action etc to be observed, revealed and validated,

• Provides real time feedback to both the coalitions themselves as well as to those who are seeking to support them

• Brings Theory and Practice Together

Action Research cases

Green Growth Coalition (regional),Women and Shared in Decision Women (Vanuatu),Tonga National Leadership Development Forum,Simbo Women’s Organic Farming initiative, (Solomon Islands)

Apr 21, 2023

Strengths

• Potential to strengthen Partnerships

• Independence and Capture

• Has allowed aspects of the relationship between a donor and a ‘grantee’ or ‘partner’, which the inherent power relations between them can often obscure, to be communicated.

• Real Time Feedback Loops, Close Collaboration: Ownership of the ‘Story’ and Process Leading to it

Apr 21, 2023

Limitations• In order for this to work it needs a strong internal action-learning

process to be in place

• Requires independence & ability to ask tricky but supportive questions

• High quality researchers who can do this don’t grow on trees. Magic Unicorn problem

• Still New for PLP.

• Risks becoming ‘trendy’ & another tick box it is just one approach that complements others

Apr 21, 2023

Learning/Challenges

To build productive working relationship with partner– ensuring that researcher is ‘allowed in’ by those leading change

The ongoing management of the different orientations of researchers, client (PLP) and partner

Does action research have an impact on change and on how we support coalitions more effectively?

Developing working relationships with Pacific islanders to build local action research capacity.

Apr 21, 2023