A Culture of Ethical Inquiry in the International Development Sector

Abstract

International development and humanitarian work, including research and evaluation practice, relies upon the development of strong and trusting relationships between practitioners, researchers, local partners and communities. Due to these relationships, research conducted in developing countries and particularly in relation to development practice raises distinct ethical issues and dilemmas. The aim of this chapter is to discuss the importance of the consideration of ethics in international development and humanitarian research and how organisations can incorporate a culture of ethical inquiry into research and evaluation practice. It will highlight that good intentions and policy documents are alone not enough for when practitioners are working in development. It will also examine how principles and guidelines drafted expressly for and by the Australian international development sector is being used as a facilitator of ethical inquiry and good practice.

Citation

Smales, P. (2019), "A Culture of Ethical Inquiry in the International Development Sector", Harris, V. (Ed.) Ethics in a Crowded World: Globalisation, Human Movement and Professional Ethics (Research in Ethical Issues in Organizations, Vol. 22), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 57-68. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1529-209620190000022005