Issues with Dissemination

There are a number of issues to keep in mind when disseminating the results of a research project.

1. Protocols with partner denominations and ministry partners
2. Ownership of data
3. Give credit to whom credit is due
4. Confidentiality of Interviewees
5. Potential uses of the information that could cause harm
6. Requests for information by third parties
7. Security issues

1. Follow the protocol with partner denominations and ministry partners

It is likely that the research project was developed as a partnership with others. Specific permissions may have been granted by denominations to collect data and disseminate results. Review and implement these agreements when disseminating information. Example: One research protocol specified that neither addresses for churches nor names and contact information for pastors could be published. This limited what information could be disseminated. Follow the protocol with partner denominations and ministry partners

2. Ownership of data

If the research protocol specifies that the denominations are the owners of their respective data, then do not give out this data to any one without the written permission. Direct those who inquire to contact the denomination(s) first and receive written permission to share data. Or perhaps another organization has allowed the analysis of data, but has limited what information can be given out. Or the researcher may choose to protect the research database. Example: OC received requests for the data base for the Directory of Christian Organizations in Romania. But because the team had years of labor and thousands of dollars invested in the development of the data base, it was prudent to not give data base away.

3. Give credit to whom credit is due

If the project was done in partnership, give credit to all the partners involved. Good will is undermined when one party takes all the credit for a particular research project. Honor all partners involved.

4. Confidentiality of Interviewees

If interviews were used in the research process, assume that what is said is confidential unless you have a signed release form. One option is to consider using aliases if protecting interviewees' identities is a concern. Still it is prudent to have a release form to use an alias.

5. Guard against potential uses of the information that could harm the cause

Information in the wrong hands can do great harm. On several occasions our field research associates in Romania were told that "These are the same questions the Securitate (secret police under Communism) used to ask us." Do not disseminate any information that could undermine work or endanger any person. Be wary of reporters and government officials in hostile contexts. Guard against potential uses of the information that could harm the cause.

6. Requests for information by third parties

If another organization requests contact information for Christian workers or churches to promote their ministries, do not provide this information unless consent was given when the information was collected. If your organization has authorization to contact Christian workers and churches, you may consider doing this on behalf of the third party. This enables you to guard who has the information and how it is used.

7. Security issues.
Your specific context and project may raise other security issues that bear upon the dissemination of information. Internet security and the physical security of the data base and survey forms are are normal considerations. Be aware of the potential dangers and risks in your ministry context and act accordingly.