Co-creating inclusion in research practices in the South Pacific: some highlights and challenges
Critical Perspectives on International Business
ISSN: 1742-2043
Article publication date: 16 July 2024
Abstract
Purpose
Colonial epistemes distort ideologies through power structures and control, perpetuating differences and the development of an inferior status. This study aims to serve dual purposes: Firstly, the authors advocate for Pacific and international business (IB) researchers to consider adopting inclusive research practices, particularly regarding Pacific and indigenous populations. Secondly, the authors argue that decolonization presents conflicting challenges, demonstrating that the authors still have a long way to go regarding the decolonization agenda within academia, the university, IB and broader society.
Design/methodology/approach
An essay style is adopted to introduce inclusive Pacific research practices specific to the Pacific context, what that looks like and the advantages of using culturally appropriate methods.
Findings
This paper highlights some examples that justify why Pacific methods should be used, such as spirituality and prayers underpinned by the va (i.e. relational spaces) – a concept well-known in Pacific cultures but missing in Western academic frameworks, models and approaches. Additionally, the authors found that the endeavours to be inclusive can paradoxically lead to exclusion and marginalization within academia, the university and popular mainstream media.
Social implications
This paper enriches IB theory and pedagogy by advocating for the co-creation of inclusive research practices in collaboration with Pacific and indigenous communities. It contributes to the broader movement to restore indigenous knowledge and scholarship research spaces.
Originality/value
The originality and value of the viewpoint lie in its potential to stimulate conversations and reflections among IB researchers regarding inclusive research practices of decoloniality. Thereby strengthening the “trumpet-shell” call to decolonize the field and academia, which IB as a discipline should not be immune to.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Fa'afetai lava (Thank you) to the following research assistants Rose Vunileva, Sāla Marie Young, Caitlin Lameko, Daysha Tonumaipe’a and Sulani Helg for sharing their time and cultural expertise in this journey; the New Zealand Policy Research Institute and team; and Professor Gail Pacheco for her support and guidance. The authors want to give special thanks to the anonymous reviewers and the editor Rudolf Sinkovics and co-editor Matt Raskovic for giving them the opportunity to share their reflections and insights as indigenous Pacific researchers. Lastly, the authors wholeheartedly acknowledge the alofa (love) shown to them by the Pacific peoples in New Zealand.
This project is funded by a Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment Endeavour Fund: ENDRP 2019 AUT X1902.
Citation
Ofe-Grant, M.B., Elikana, M., SauLilo, L., Vimahi, L., O'Brien, S. and Joseph, E. (2024), "Co-creating inclusion in research practices in the South Pacific: some highlights and challenges", Critical Perspectives on International Business, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/cpoib-04-2024-0042
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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