Issues for interpreting external stakeholder feedback on restructuring NCIC's research programs
Ashbury, F.D.; Iverson, D.C.; Shephard, P.J.
Canadian Journal of Oncology 5(1): 328-337
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 1183-2509 PMID: 8853475 Document Number: 450214
The National Cancer Institute of Canada surveyed members of its stakeholder groups on a number of issues pertaining to restructuring research programs. While it was hoped that the survey would ensure input from its primary stakeholder groups and thereby facilitate decision-making on critical issues like distribution of funds and research awards, there is reason to believe this may not have occurred. Some of the stakeholder groups seemed to be over-represented in the respondent population and the effect of this on the results was therefore examined. Analysis revealed several important issues: 1) a clear definition of who constitutes a "stakeholder" needs to be developed when stakeholder input-gathering is being contemplated; 2) multi-faceted strategies need to be developed to gain input from stakeholders; 3) potential sources of bias can emerge from the various techniques used to gather feedback from stakeholders; and 4) a clear outline of how the feedback is to be used in the decision-making process needs to be determined.