Collaborative Coding in Multi-National Teams: Benefits, Challenges and Experiences Promoting Equitable Research

Abstract

Within multi-national research collaborations, power dynamics often shape who is involved in which parts of the research process. The analysis phase of research has historically been framed as requiring expert perspective, excluding national or local researchers whose role is often limited to collecting data and transferring it to others to analyze. In this paper, we describe and reflect on the process of collaborative coding across a multi-national team based in Lebanon and the United Kingdom, as part of a broader approach to co-production. We explore the value and benefit of collaborative coding, reflecting on how coding together enabled greater inclusion, teamwork, improved analysis as well as improved future data collection. We also discuss the technical and logistical challenges we faced in coding within a team and using internet-based software, including the complications involved in navigating power dynamics between researchers and coming to final decisions about codes. Over time, we found collaborative coding became a smoother process, however working in this way is not straight-forward. Our paper contributes a reflexive analysis on the power dynamics and decision-making complexities involved in collaborative coding. It emphasizes the importance of investing in interpersonal relationships over time and prioritizing less-centralized decision-making within research collaborations.

Power dynamics and participation within humanitarian coordination groups: A case study of the MHPSS Taskforce in Lebanon

“…We used deductive and inductive coding, meeting bilaterally in pairs and regularly in a group to discuss codes and share perspectives on the data. The process of collaborative coding is described in more detail elsewhere [ 31 ]. While Gaventa’s power cube and Arnstein’s ladder of participation influenced the development of topic guides, during analysis, we found that participant accounts closely matched Arnstein’s ladder but did not neatly map onto the power cube.…”

Barriers, facilitators and proposed solutions to equitable mental health financing and service delivery for the Lebanese populations and displaced Syrians in Lebanon: Findings from a qualitative study

“…Interviews with service users and caregivers adopted a narrative approach, in which the participant is asked to tell their story of navigating and accessing the services, with subsequent probes as needed to explore health care seeking and financing in relation to MH services. Narrative interviewing gives the participant control over how they share their stories, allowing a relaxed and unstructured approach that can elicit depth and, at times, more accurate information than obtained in a structured interview [ 47 , 48 ]. This contributes to dismantling power hierarchies linking the researcher and participant [ 49 , 50 ].…”

“…Dedoose software was used for coding the data. Six Authors (NSS, REM, JE, BM, RA, SC) coded the data in pairs and used collaborative coding approach [ 48 ] to analyse, define and refine the codes where they held group meetings for that purpose. During these meetings, each pairs’ coding was checked with the team of authors and key themes of each transcripts were identified and discussed collaboratively.…”