Implementing change is a challenging process requiring a good argumentation basis that increases the level of stakeholders’ engagement. The validated evidence can be gained through using such resources as “gray literature” or stakeholder-centered research strategies. Gray literature is non-academical research published on non-commercial sources. This type of literature is vital for obtaining factual, up-to-date information (Akbar et al., 2022). Gray literature can provide the most abundant evidence supporting the change implementation. This type of literature offers relevant information regarding particular issues, which can be used as powerful arguments supporting the primary suggestions.
The primary resources involved in the research striving to implement evidence-based change are directly connected with the stakeholders. There are two primary research strategies that are proven to be effective in enhancing the interest of stakeholders in particular change implementation. The first sphere of research is connected with understanding the stakeholders’ interests. This strategy allows for building trustful relationships with stakeholders based on the allocation of their interests. Such research should be conducted before the change implementation because it shapes the activities of the whole process (Lau et al., 2018). Another strategy that can be efficiently applied within the scope of searching for evidence to change practice is the research of the input of stakeholders (Lau et al., 2018). Soliciting and critically analyzing the feedback which stakeholders can provide increases the chances for the future successful implementation of the changes. This strategy provides an experience-based argument helping to gain the stakeholders’ support and making the change more reliable.
References
Akbar, A., Ashiq, M., Jabbar, A., & Saleem, Q. (2022). Gray literature and academic libraries: How do they access, use, manage, and cope with gray literature. Serials Review, 3, 1–10.
Lau, A., Liu, H., Loh, C., Louie, P., & Zhang, Y. (2018). The roles of scientific research and stakeholder engagement for evidence-based policy formulation on shipping emissions control in Hong Kong. Management, 223(1), 49–56.