Utilizing Pacific Methodologies as Inclusive Practice

Abstract

For academics embarking on research with Pacific people for the benefit of Pacific communities or issues, what is paramount is the need for Pacific methodologies to be adopted as well as adapted, to improve communication and rapport with prospective participants. When one thinks of research of a Pacific nature, it is not until existing Pacific methodologies are known that one ponders on the type of methodology best suits one’s research practice. Since Smith’s research on the importance for the decolonization process to be more at the fore regarding research undertaken about, for, and with indigenous groups, there has been a growing shift away from Eurocentric frameworks. Movement away enables improved understanding and communication with Pacific people and issues; it also confirms the appropriateness of Pacific methodologies to enhance research in general. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) has similar elements found in Pacific methodologies; positive outcomes between both researcher and stakeholders are key during planning and implementation stages. By working alongside community partners, researchers work toward implementing research data collection and collation methods with the assistance of indigenous (in this case, Pacific experts and leaders of Pacific communities) to benefit and “advance social change and social justice (Holkup et al., 2004; Minkler, 2004; Petrucka et al., 2012; Walters et al., 2009).” It may be time consuming at research commencement stage, but worthwhile pursuing to ensure all stakeholders involved in the research are aware of expectations and benefit from the outcomes of research pursued.