The latest State of the Practice Survey by the IAP2 Canada Research Committee has some good news on a number of different fronts. Sherif Kinawy and Sherry Campbell of the Committee discussed the findings of the 2017 State of Practice Survey and Environmental Scan of P2 Research in a special webinar on September 12. (IAP2 Canada members can watch the full webinar here.)
The survey and environmental scan follow up on the 2013 survey, which looked at P2 trends, activities and best practices, following the statement in the IAP2 Canada Strategic Plan, that IAP2 Canada is a source and developer of knowledge and resources. (Read more) The environmental scan looked at the challenges and opportunities in the profession, with a view to expanding the knowledge base of P2 research activities and enrich collaboration with other organizations.
The good news?
- More practitioners – members and non-members alike – responded to the survey in 2016
- More organizations – with similar and/or complementary goals — appear willing or have the capacity to partner with IAP2 Canada in future research projects
- The environmental scan rated organizations as “low”, “medium” or “high” for their P2 activities and potential for collaboration with IAP2 Canada; the number of organizations rated “high” in 2017 increased over 2013.
- The attitude of respondents – which had been positive to begin with in the 2013 survey – is even more positive now toward IAP2 Canada activities and research.
In 2017, as in 2013, the survey set out to bridge research and practice, determine priority areas, identify practitioners’ needs, advise the board on those needs and also inform trainers of those needs.
The Research Committee found that in the four years in-between the surveys, areas of concern shifted. Managing conflict – which had been the top concern in 2013 – was still high on the list, but inclusion has become a higher priority. That is, practitioners are increasingly looking for tools and techniques to bridge gaps in language, culture and ability. There was also an increase in the number of P2 practitioners and facilitators who identified that as their primary role.
The 2017 Survey presented statements about P2 for respondents to rate. For example, “P2 is often used as a tool to delegate decision-making to the public”: about 65% either disagreed or strongly disagreed with that; “P2 is often used to extract local knowledge and understand issues and concerns”: 50% agreed; “Public feedback rarely affects the outcome”: just over 60% either disagreed or strongly disagreed.
The survey also identifies important trends in P2 practice in Canada, and you can read the full report here.
Would you like to be part of this important effort to support the P2 practice in Canada? The Research Committee is made up of volunteers and is currently looking for individuals who would like to join the committee. Please contact info@iap2canada.ca for more information.
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