How to Develop a Research Culture in a Human Services Organization

Abstract

A collaborative action research project, undertaken by St Luke's Anglicare and La Trobe University's Social Work Department, guided the development of a dynamic agency-wide research culture. The research project began in early 2003, with the aim of identifying key factors and barriers in the development of a research culture and exploring ways to maximize the agency's capacity to carry out research and enhance a `culture of inquiry'. The outcomes of the research project gave clear directions for the continued development of the research culture at St Luke's. The research facilitated an understanding of how a human services organization might define itself in relation to research, and helped clarify core research strengths and capabilities. The project demonstrates the use of action research as a methodology that clarifies and enhances the processes of planning, reflection,