top of page

Public health leadership: Engaging with different perspectives

katinadonise

Updated: Jun 27, 2024






It is readily apparent that our societies are truly diverse and that we see clashes of world views daily. Why is this important to consider and how do we manage it in public health?


Best practice in qualitative research includes reflexivity, which is documented in reflexivity statements. Reflexivity is the critical reflection on the role of the researcher and their perspective in the conduct of their work, in the design of studies, collecting data and analysis of data. It should cover personal, interpersonal, methodological and contextual issues in the research (1). Reflexivity statements are best practice in the peer reviewed literature, transparently acknowledging that in our interactions with others with all bring a perspective or world view which can influence or bias the research. This is influenced by our life experiences, including, but not limited to, culture, gender, age, life events and education.


It is less common for public health practitioners to explicitly and critically think about what we bring as individuals to public health practice, including in our interactions with communities. This is important as there is most often a power imbalance between communities and governments or other large institutions. There is also well documented systematic discrimination of communities on the basis of race, gender, ability and sexuality, to name a few, that is interpersonal as well as institutional. In this context, public health practitioners need to be clear that as members of society we all have biases. The obligation for those with structural privilege is to rapidly identify these biases, critically reflect on them and act in a purposeful way to limit them.  


We also, from time to time, find ourselves in difficult conversations where there is a direct clash with our practice and world view in public health, such as anti-vaccination movements.


Critical reflection?

Taking a reflective approach and adopting an inquiring mind about what other people think or feel, and why, exposes us to different world views and life experiences. Active listening is an approach that involves empathy, trying to understand the perspective of the individual, and also validating the individual and their views. Our thinking in this approach is flexible and considers that our view may be wrong or incomplete or different, taking a learning posture. We explicitly recognise our own bias, and where relevant, privilege, and work to limit this as far as possible in our interactions.


Where the views expressed clash with our own it is especially important to use active listening. Respectful questioning aims to deepen our understanding, clarify misunderstandings and reflect what we heard. I have found that a focus on the person as a whole person, rather than a set of views that clash with my own, can be a helpful frame.


Within our teams, staff diversity that reflects the communities that we work with is critical to balancing the dominant cultural narrative. Diversity, which is valued, can increase the quality of our work with the community, and increase the chance that our programs and policies will be effective in the long term. It allows for innovation, tailored responses for different communities and culturally competent programs, policies or services (2).


Considering another person’s world view, and equally, explicitly considering your own, is a critical reflective practice. This is an ethical imperative but also supports effective public health practice, given our work will have an impact on all communities.

 

1.      Olmos-Vega FM, Stalmeijer RE, Varpio L, Kahlke, R. A practical guide to reflexivity in qualitative research: AMEE Guide No. 149. Medical Teacher, 2023;45(3):241–251.

2.      Coronado F, Beck AJ, Shah G, Young JL, Sellers K, Leider JP. Understanding the Dynamics of Diversity in the Public Health Workforce. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 2020;26(4):389-392.

 

82 views0 comments

Comments


Subscribe to our newsletter • Don’t miss out!

Optimising systems to achieve positive and lasting outcomes for the community.

​

We acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide region where we are based. We are grateful to be able to live and work here and pay our respects to Kaurna Elders. 

  • LinkedIn

© 2024 Katina D'Onise. All rights reserved.

bottom of page