Teaching Paper: Ethical Guidelines for External Researchers Engaging Grassroots Leaders: Principles of Reciprocity, Respect, and Accountability in Practice
Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia
Publisher: NEYA Global Publishing
Teaching Paper | NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies
Year: 2025
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grsrldemplcvc-tp-02
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About the Teaching Paper
This Teaching Paper outlines practical ethical principles for researchers engaging with grassroots leaders and communities, emphasizing reciprocity, respect, and accountability. It highlights four core guidelines—do no harm, informed consent and reciprocity, respect for local knowledge, and transparency and accountability—each grounded in participatory and emancipatory research traditions. The paper integrates theoretical reflection with field-level strategies such as anonymization, participatory data interpretation, and capacity-building as reciprocity. A case study illustrates both the harm caused by extractive research and the transformative potential of ethical collaboration. Designed as a reference for scholars, NGOs, and practitioners, this resource bridges moral responsibility and methodological rigor, promoting research practices that strengthen grassroots leadership rather than compromise it.
Key Topics
- Research ethics and grassroots engagement
- Informed consent and reciprocity
- Participatory and emancipatory methodologies
- Respect for local knowledge and cultural authority
- Transparency, accountability, and trust
- Power dynamics and harm reduction
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Teaching Paper: Ethical Guidelines for External Researchers Engaging Grassroots Leaders: Principles of Reciprocity, Respect, and Accountability in Practice. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grsrldemplcvc-tp-02
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https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grsrldemplcvc-02
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Grassroots leadership in non-profit governance: Community, power, and participation. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grsrldemplcvc-01
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Challenges to grassroots leadership: Autonomy, power, and vulnerability. Neya Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps-grsrldemplcvc-06
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https://doi.org/10.64357/grassroots-leadership-2025
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https://doi.org/10.64357/leadership-mission-driven-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Strategic Planning: A Step-by-Step Guide. NEYA Global Publishing.
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