Abstract
In the absence of empirical and conceptual considerations of the negotiation of leadership in teams doing community-based research, this article adds to the leadership literature by offering a critical reflection on positioning and collaborative teams in the context of one interdisciplinary, co-productive, cross-generational and international research project. The project focused on youth and community resilience to drought in South Africa. Fourteen co-researchers reflected on their experiences of leadership within the project, using a collectively developed questionnaire. Findings uniquely highlight wider ethical considerations when youth and novice researchers are included in research teams. A strong emphasis on cultural responsiveness was found; with local and culturally led leadership seen to positively influence both processes and outcomes. Reflections suggest collaboration may be approached as an “ethos” and aided by transformational leadership theories and methodologies. Findings may be especially relevant to research teams, funders, and ethical bodies.
Highlights
The impetus for the case being reported in this article, arose from a desire to reflect on and improve the leadership practices within research teams
Team reflections are contextualised in relation to contemporary research leadership debates, identifying nine issues of pertinence to research team leadership
Despite the lack of research on leadership in research teams involving nonacademics, many of the issues raised in conventional research teams overlap with the nine themes identified in the literature
Summary
The impetus for the case being reported in this article (i.e., the empirical review of leadership), arose from a desire to reflect on and improve the leadership practices within research teams. 14 diverse members of an international, intergenerational, and interdisciplinary team reflect on their coproductive experience of leadership in a research project. This article concludes by suggesting how research team leadership in such complex settings can best be supported. There is an increased push from policy and funding bodies toward interdisciplinary and cross-cultural research
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