strategies for adopting ecohealth theory and practice: lessons from action-research on zoonotic...

Strategies for adopting EcoHealth theory and practice: Lessons from

action-research on zoonotic diseases in Southeast Asia

Assé, R., Tohtubtiang K., Gilbert, J., & Grace, D.

EcoHealth Conference, Kunming China 2012

Presentation Overview

EcoHealth Uptake Assessment – Adoption Factors & Dynamics

1

I. Process & Goals of EcoHealth Uptake Assessment

II. Analytical Framework

III. Description of 5 Key Adoption Factors & Dynamics

a. Knowledge Exchange & Decision Making b. Use of Social Science c. Research Project Management d. Management of Organizational Culture e. Management of Expectations

IV. Conclusion


2

• formative & participatory - 8 EcoHealth teams -

EcoZD - zoonotic emerging infectious diseases - ZEIDs - 6 countries

• aligned with Outcome Mapping process • interviews, focus group discussions, review of

outputs

• 12 month period

EcoHealth Uptake Assessment process


3

• understand how/why research teams adopt &

practice specific EcoHealth principles

• understand & identify best-bet practices

• contribute to constructing model EcoHealth action-research

EcoHealth Uptake Assessment goals

Focus question Strategy for exploring Observed factors

Organizational factors that promote or hinder adoption?

Characterize organizational culture & knowledge practices.

managing knowledge & decision-making managing norms & culture

EcoHealth principles practiced?

Identify best-bet research practices.

using social science managing research

Added value of these practices?

Identify ZEID policies/practices influenced by team.

managing research managing norms/culture

Costs & benefits of these practices?

Document cost mitigation & benefit enhancement strategies.

managing expectations


4

Analytical Framework


5

Exchanging knowledge & making decisions free flowing information, learning environment, informed decisions

Using social science systems thinking via synthetic linking of studies/phases/components within a research project

Managing research time & resource allocation for experimenting with EcoHealth

Managing organizational culture & host institute norms re-tooling structures & habits to integrate EcoHealth principles

Managing expectations to mitigate costs & capture benefits/added value

Description of factors

LOW capacity vertical information flow hierarchical decision-making low information/knowledge exchange low peer-learning limited transdisciplinary collaboration


6

Managing knowledge exchange & decision-making

MEDIUM capacity Information/knowledge sharing less hierarchical decision-making a learning environment in-team equity transdisciplinary coordination


7


HIGH capacity horizontal/equitable information flow participatory decision-making an intentional learning community adaptive decision-making transdisciplinary collaboration for systems thinking



8

LIMITED integration of social science limited systems thinking limited integration of research studies no case-study or model construction approach minimal linkages with practice low potential for policy recommendations


9

Using social science


SIMPLE integration of social science multidisciplinary thinking some integration of research studies consideration of case-study approach some linkages with practice some potential for policy recommendations


10

COMPLEX integration of social science systems thinking transdisciplinary integration of research studies use of case-study & model construction significant linkages with practice strategic policy recommendations


11


LOW capacity inefficient project administration inefficient research planning & execution low innovation potential minimal transdisciplinary collaboration minimal integration of EcoHealth


12

Managing a research project

MEDIUM capacity efficient project administration efficient research planning & execution intentional innovations effective time/resource use for collaboration intentional integration of EcoHealth


13


HIGH capacity project administration to manage costs/benefits research planning to create added value innovation & experimentation transdisciplinary collaboration for mixed methods structured integration of EcoHealth


14


LOW capacity minimal negotiation of institute norms strong adherence to protocol, chain of command & disciplinary thinking minimal changes in communication protocol minimal integration of EcoHealth


15

Managing organizational culture

MEDIUM capacity negotiation of institute norms to integrate EcoHealth strategic negotiation of protocols & chain of command effective communication of EcoHealth intentional move to systems thinking strategic integration of EcoHealth


16


HIGH capacity effective negotiation of institute norms to integrate EcoHealth redefinition of protocols, chain of command for transdisciplinarity establishment of organizational structures for EcoHealth EcoHealth-centered


17


LOW capacity limited appraisals of capacities, assets, resources non-alignment with EcoHealth goals limited value-added components limited institution-building


18

Managing expectations

MEDIUM capacity realistic appraisals of capacities, assets, resources alignment with EcoHealth goals value-added components strategic institution-building


19


HIGH capacity mitigation of costs to capitalize on benefits alignment with EcoHealth goals value-added components strategic institution-building


20


Conclusion


21

I. Transforming theory into practice – praxis – focusses on

management.

II. Reflection & self-appraisal allows move from “Medium” to “High.”

I. Managing - knowledge, decisions, social science use, research, organizational culture, expectations - impacts uptake of EcoHealth principles.

EcoZD Project

for information on EcoZD

www.ilri.org/ecozd

www.ilriasia.wordpress.com/tag/ecozd

for references contact

[email protected]

http://www.ilri.org/ecozd

http://www.ilriasia.wordpress.com/tag/ecozd



strategies for adopting ecohealth theory and practice: lessons from action-research on zoonotic...

Technology