INCLUSIVE RESEARCH DESIGN

Abstract

This paper explores inclusive research design (IRD) as an integral component in what we term community partnership research in the information management and systems field. It aims to unravel the challenges and complexities of the double hermeneutic spiral associated with designing and doing this type of research in order to identify principles and processes appropriate to the engagement of all partners – in the community that provides the setting for the research and in the academy – in the iterative, ongoing design of the research. The research reported in the paper was undertaken within an interpretivist framework, using literary warrant analysis, autoethnography and a second generation grounded theory approach to data analysis. It involved in-depth analysis of our experiences over the last 10 years in community partnership research relating to smart health information portals, including reflection on our particular roles and interests in the research, as well as our changing needs, values and expectations. The paper concludes by presenting an IRD framework for community partnership research in information management and systems.