Comparative analysis of SCRA and WKKF codes of ethics for participatory research

Community Research and Action

Organizations for Participatory Research: Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA) and WK Kellogg Foundation (WKKF)

In this comparative analysis of two organizations that are involved in participatory research, a field I am particularly interested in, the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA) and W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) can be considered at the forefront in promoting this kind of research in the academic and social communities they work with, respectively. The question-and-answer type of discussion below discusses the organizations' respective Code of Conduct or documents available in their websites that discusses how their members are expected to behave within the organization:

How extensive are the codes from the two organizations/associations?

SCRA has published in its website a page dedicated to its Vision-Mission, Goals, and Guiding Concepts, while WKKF has a Code of Ethics that briefly states specific codes of conduct for its members and partners. Both SCRA and WKKF have straight or direct to the point documents discussing proper behavior of its members and affiliates. While brief, these documents succinctly communicate the whole point of being association with these organizations -- that as practitioners and advocates of research for societies and communities, individuals, groups, and partner communities are beholden to the Code of Ethics that promote individual integrity and respects diversity.

Do these codes reflect values? What values?

Both organizations' documents pertaining to the Code of Conduct adhere to specific values that each organization considers critical and important to their image and operations. SCRA, for example, advocates and adheres to values related to respect for cultural diversity, spirit of collaboration among researchers and/or implementers, 'honoring' human rights, and 'enhancement of well-being of people and their communities.' WKKF, meanwhile, remains true to its values of Personal and Professional Integrity, Legal and Ethical Compliance, Valuing Diversity, Stewardship, (Recognition of) Conflict of Interest, and Governance.

What kinds of actions do the codes cover?

For the SCRA, its code covers proper conduct/implementation and application of its research studies to the beneficiaries or target communities, groups, or individuals. This responsible conduct of research consistently respects people's right to confidentiality of information provided, anonymity of their identities, and respect for their willingness or reluctance to engage in the participatory research. WKKF, meanwhile, acts on its codes, i.e., responsible implementation of its development projects, through responsible, objective, and timely reporting of its operations/project implementation and financial accountability.

Are there ramifications for violations? How extensive are the ramifications?

In the SCRA documents published in the website, these ramifications are not explicitly stated. However, as an organization, it is expected of researchers-implementers to adhere to the standard Code of Ethics that researchers recognize, whatever profession or sector they are in or they work with. WKKF, meanwhile, as CSR arm of the Kellogg Company, is beholden to responsible accounting to its donors and funders. Thus, it is also subject to the laws concerning fraudulent reporting or misuse of funds entrusted to them by its donors/funders, and is subject to the same legal actions as the Kellogg Company.

What influence do you believe these codes of conduct have on the decision-making behavior of their members or employees?

Publishing these documents online/in the organizations' websites make it known to the public that SCRA and WKKF, and any individual, group, or community related to these organizations, must also recognize and adhere the codes and values that they implement from within. These codes reinforce the responsibility given to members and partners to be more responsible with their words, actions, and behavior especially when these relate to activities significantly relevant to SCRA and WKKF.

From this analysis of two organizations, it becomes apparent that understanding the Codes of Conduct of an organization provides a more concrete picture of the identity of the organization itself. SCRA, as a research organization, is markedly an organization that puts premium on human rights and cultural diversity because of its research-centered focus on social development. Meanwhile, WKKF still reflects its parent company's (Kellogg Company) corporate identity and image, and is best known for its strong compliance with financial accountability reporting.