Bringing strengths and differences to the table - challenges and opportunities in practitioner-researcher collaborations

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we (two researchers and three practitioners from Singapore) reflect on the challenges and opportunities of practice-research collaborations. While researchers and practitioners share a common goal to improve services, challenges can arise due to differing perspectives and priorities and power dynamics between team members. However, diversity of perspectives can enrich the research process when strengths of practitioners and researchers are utilised. Collaborative relationships can be optimised with careful selection of the appropriate team members, effective communication, and by practicing reflexivity. Our reflections highlight the benefits of practice-research collaborations and the importance of navigating partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Practice research
• research practitioner collaboration
• reflexive practice
• social work research
• positionality

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Tan Kwan Boon, Tok Kheng Leng, A/P Esther Goh Chor Leng, and Ruth Tan for their contributions to the paper. We would also like to acknowledge our organisations for their support.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Denise Liu

Denise Liu is a Senior Research Executive with the Strategic Planning and Research Department at Fei Yue Community Services, Singapore.

Peiyi Woo

Peiyi Woo is a Senior Assistant Director with the Community Development, Strategy and Transformtion Division at AMK Community Services Ltd, Singapore.

Elizabeth Yee Min Chia

Elizabeth Yee Min Chia is the Lead Researcher with the Training, Consultancy, and Research Division at SHINE Children and Youth Services, Singapore.

Jie Hui Pek

Jie Hui Pek is a Social Worker with the Social Work Department at South Central Community Family Service Centre Ltd, Singapore.

Xinyao Yu

Xinyao Yu is a Community Development Executive with the Community Development, Strategy and Transformation Division at AMK Community Services Ltd, Singapore.