Respecting the culture: undertaking focus groups in Oman

Abstract

Theorizing about how culture influences planned group formation and interaction can be tested through using focus groups as a research method. This article is not about the Omani population, but in higher education, it is useful to depict evaluative research as being cosmopolitan in its approach. Data obtained from eleven focus groups conducted in Oman with nurses assisted the authors of this paper to embrace what it means to respect another culture and enable understanding of that culture. The premise about reflexive methods is to promote the voices of the research team and by reporting a team approach a broader voice can be heard. This paper aims to inform an international audience that taking a traditional perspective when using focus groups can be stereotyped by cultural assumptions. Such stereotypical assumptions did not represent the reality of the design; the study was structured to be culturally sensitive and fit for purpose. Such assumptions can be dismissed if participants are given a choice within the study.