A TOOL designed for one context cannot always be used in another — a kitchen knife generally won’t work as a surgeon’s scalpel, say, and flip flops aren’t great for running the Comrades Marathon.Similarly, research does not always translate well from its placid academic habitat to the wilder jungle of government policy making. As a result, academic research often doesn’t help practitioners critique policy options. And in its absence, government departments end up knocking on the doors of consultancies that may be exorbitant and ideologically biased, as well as less than rigorous.My own recent move from the government to research has brought me face to face with some of the cultural differences between policy and university research.To start with, no one in government has enough time. Academics are prone to savour the ins and outs of methodological choices and theoretical debates.Officials must contend with deadlines, meetings and their dreaded key performance indicators. They usuall...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.