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The importance of cultural humility in cross cultural research
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The importance of cultural humility in cross cultural research

Alison Willis and Bill Allen
International Journal of Innovative Interdisciplinary Research, Vol.1(1), pp.111-119
2011
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http://iiead.com.au/journal.htmlView
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Abstract

Specialist Studies in Education cross-cultural research intercultural competence Northern Uganda reflexivity
This paper investigates the dynamics that exist between researchers from developed countries and participants from developing contexts. It contends that the integrity of cross-cultural research practices can significantly benefit from cultural humility on behalf of the researcher. This research project, carried out by an Australian researcher in Northern Uganda, espoused the theoretical perspective of phenomenography, using both phenomenographic and ethnographic methods. From this perspective it was found that when a foreign researcher assumes the roles of learner and facilitator, potential for unequal power relationships between developed and developing communities is considerably reduced. Many developing contexts are accustomed to Western aid, their education systems rarely encourage critical thought, and communities typically create social hierarchies according to wealth and power. Therefore, it is important that foreign researchers are acutely aware of their own potential to negatively reinforce welfare dependency or positively encourage development. Altogether, this study asserts that in cross-cultural contexts significant relationships exist between the approach of a researcher and the depth of data collection and analysis. It was found that a researcher who takes up the roles of learner and facilitator has the potential to contribute to the wider body of knowledge by giving interviewees a voice.

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