2.1 Respect all participants
All participants are respected and encouraged to contribute to the process without censure. Each individual is viewed as bringing a unique angle to the research problem. An atmosphere of trust is needed to encourage this open sharing of views. Recognising people’s strengths leads to increased awareness of their existing resources and mobilises them to help themselves (Orford 2008).

2.2 Work within existing cultural protocols
Working within cultural protocols requires knowledge, skill, sensitivity and goodwill. It is always wise to consult with a cultural representative to ensure that research processes and interventions are culturally appropriate.

2.3 Build mutual trust
Building mutual trust is vitally important in interdependent relationships. Distrust can undermine relationships in a way that leads to an entire breakdown of the affiliation, or lead to decreased productivity toward mutual goals, loss of morale, and even commitment of scarce resources to repair damage. Trust is built through integrity and consistency, and through the shared belief that you can rely on each other. Overcoming distrust in relation to commonly held perceptions of institutions, researchers and outsiders generally will take time, consistency and commitment. Understanding the social, economic, political and cultural landscape of specific communities’ will also take time and sensitivity.