Civic/community/society research is a broad research context that focuses on understanding and addressing social issues, community dynamics, and the role of individuals and organisations in shaping society. It involves studying various aspects of civic engagement, community development, social justice, and the interactions between individuals and their communities. Researchers explore a range of topics within the civic/community/society context, including:
- Civic Engagement and Participation: Explores or investigates the ways individuals and groups engage with their communities and participate in civic activities. It explores factors that influence civic engagement, such as social networks, political participation, volunteering, and activism.
- Community Development and Empowerment: This context of the research focuses on understanding and promoting community development and empowerment. It examines strategies for fostering community resilience, social capital, and sustainable development. Researchers investigate community-led initiatives, grassroots movements, and the role of community organisations in addressing local challenges.
- Social Justice and Equity: Explores issues of social justice, inequality, and discrimination within communities and society at large. It examines the impact of social, economic, and cultural factors on marginalised groups and investigates strategies for promoting equity, inclusivity, and social change.
- Community Health and Well-being: Researchers study the determinants of community health and well-being, including access to healthcare, social support networks, environmental factors, and socioeconomic conditions. They investigate community-based interventions, health promotion strategies, and the role of community organisations in improving population health outcomes.
- Social Movements and Activism: This context focuses on understanding social movements, collective action, and activism within society. It explores the motivations, strategies, and impacts of social movements addressing various issues, such as human rights, environmental justice, gender equality, and racial justice.
- Community-University Partnerships: This domain investigates the value and impact of collaborations between universities and communities. It explores how partnerships between academic institutions, community organizations, and residents can contribute to research, education, and community development. This includes studying participatory research methods, knowledge co-production, and community-based participatory research.
The goal of civic/community/society research is to generate knowledge and evidence that can inform policies, practices, and interventions to address social issues, promote community development, and create positive societal change. The findings from this research context contribute to community empowerment, social justice, and the well-being of individuals and communities.
Professional communities domain focuses on studying the dynamics, interactions, and development of communities within professional contexts. It involves understanding how individuals within specific professional fields form communities, share knowledge and expertise, collaborate, and collectively advance their respective professions.Researchers explore a range of topics within the professional community’s context, including:
- Professional Identity and Socialisation: Research or project investigates how individuals develop their professional identities within specific communities. It explores the socialisation processes, values, and norms that shape professional identities and influence professional practice. Researchers also examine the impact of professional identity on job satisfaction, career development, and organisational commitment.
- Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: This domain focuses on understanding how professionals share knowledge, best practices, and innovations within their communities. It explores the mechanisms, networks, and platforms through which professionals exchange information and collaborate. Researchers investigate factors that facilitate, or hinder knowledge sharing and identify strategies to enhance collaboration and learning.
- Professional Development and Learning: Research examines how professionals within communities continue to develop their skills, knowledge, and competencies throughout their careers. It explores formal and informal learning opportunities, continuing education programs, mentorship, and professional development initiatives. Researchers investigate effective strategies for professional learning and the impact of ongoing development on professional practice and outcomes.
- Professional Ethics and Standards: This area focuses on exploring professional ethics, codes of conduct, and standards within specific communities. Researchers investigate how professionals navigate ethical dilemmas, uphold professional values, and ensure ethical practice. They also examine the role of professional organisations and regulatory bodies in enforcing ethical standards and promoting professional integrity.
- Leadership and Governance: Context explores the leadership and governance structures within professional communities. It examines the roles and responsibilities of professional leaders, their influence on decision-making, and the impact of effective leadership on community development and advancement. Researchers also investigate the governance mechanisms, policies, and practices that shape professional communities.
- Collaboration Between Professional Communities: This focuses on understanding the interactions and collaborations between different professional communities. It explores interdisciplinary and inter-professional collaboration, the benefits and challenges of cross-disciplinary projects, and the impact of collaboration on innovation and problem-solving.
The broader public context encompasses the study of various aspects of society, public policy, and the interactions between individuals, communities, and institutions. It focuses on understanding and addressing social issues, promoting public welfare, and influencing public decision-making. Researchers explore a wide range of topics within the broader public context, including:
- Social Issues and Inequality: Contextually focusing on social issues such as poverty, inequality, discrimination, and social exclusion. It examines the causes and consequences of these issues and explores strategies for promoting social justice, equal opportunities, and inclusive societies.
- Public Policy and Governance: This sphere focuses on understanding the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of public policies. Researchers examine the processes and factors that shape public policy decisions, the role of government and non-governmental organisations in policymaking, and the impact of policies on society.
- Public Opinion and Political Behaviour: The context explores public opinion, political attitudes, and behaviours within the broader public context. It investigates how individuals form their opinions, engage in political activities, and participate in decision-making processes. Researchers also examine the role of media, social networks, and political institutions in shaping public opinion.
- Public Health and Well-being: This context focuses on understanding and improving population health and well-being. It examines the determinants of health, healthcare access, health promotion strategies, and the impact of public health interventions. Researchers also investigate health disparities, health policy, and the social and environmental factors influencing public health outcomes.
- Environmental Sustainability: This context explores issues related to environmental sustainability and conservation. It investigates the impact of human activities on the environment, climate change, natural resource management, and the adoption of sustainable practices. Researchers also examine policies and initiatives aimed at mitigating environmental challenges.
- Community Engagement and Participation: This focuses on understanding and promoting community engagement in public decision-making processes. It explores participatory approaches, citizen involvement, and the role of civil society organisations in shaping public policies and initiatives. Researchers investigate strategies for fostering meaningful community participation and empowerment.
The goal of the broader public is to generate knowledge and evidence that can inform public policy, promote social well-being, and contribute to the betterment of society. The findings and insights gained from this research context help shape public discourse, inform policy decisions, and drive positive societal change.