Blurred Boundaries in Participatory Action Research

Abstract

This article discusses the subtle distinction between the role of a critical friend in participatory action research (PAR) evaluation and that of intervention project management, along with tensions that arise when the roles become blurred. These tensions are particularly evident when the imperatives for contributing to Māori development and local-level capacity-building impact on PAR evaluation best practice. The article draws on the experiences of evaluators at Whakauae Research for Māori Health and Development (WRMHD), a small, tribally based research unit, which regularly conducts PAR evaluation with community-based health organisations. To set the context, WRMHD's philosophical drivers and model of evaluation practice are described. The key principles of PAR evaluation and limitations of the approach are briefly discussed with reference to WRMHD's model of practice. The article then considers the issue of blurred boundaries; the conditions under which this phenomenon is likely to arise; and why it presents such a challenge to WRMHD's evaluation work. The article concludes by proposing a series of strategies that could be employed to mitigate the tensions that arise when the boundaries between roles become blurred.