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  • Data collection method and tool design are all hard work because you have to anticipate such cultural and context differences. For example, going paperless is not meant to be for all especially in locations with poor connectivity.

    Furthermore, I learned that conflict of interests statement must be honest in order to minimize all bias and make the study useful for presentation.

  • Good evening,

    Apart from non disclosure of information there is also re-using information without being permitted. Plagiarism!

  • It musn't be a further damage to this groupe of people. The politicians should act with no harm with this low group of individuals.

  • I think it is very important that the data collect should cause no harm, I fully agree with the do no harm.

  • This has been very informative, there a number of things that I have been doing in my professional career that are actually going aganist a lo

  • to identify unintended negative or positive impacts of humanitarian and development interventions in settings where there is conflict or risk of conflict.

  • The component of" Do not harm" considered to to be honest and maintain the dignity, confidentiality and self- worth of the individuals. Ensuring not to have any physical, emotional or reputational damage to them. Also consider the existing experiences of the individuals while including their data, taking their informed consent and identify and avoid potential areas where your data may increase the problems of downtrodden individuals/community.

  • It will be very important to avoid instances whereby information collected can fall into the wrong hands. That itself can cripple the objective of the study. Therefore, there would be a need to restrict an access to data by the external forces. Such data collected should be highly encrypt to avoid a loss or loophole for anyone who has no authority to access it. On the other hand, a confidential policy should be implemented to restrict anyone to giving out information that is confidential to people who are not entitled to having it. Above all, a cyber security program can also be adopted or implemented to monitor any shortfalls that may take place incase of data loss or accessibility by the external forces.

  • interesting module

  • Ethical concerns should be the top priority. These will help to create a foundation that will develop trust among the stakeholders.

  • Please, be careful. Your data is not for all people. You and only you know what the data mean and how can for any one using this data for bad things.

  • oui, ces données peuvent être utilisées par les opposants pour démontrer que le parti politique au pouvoir ne fait pas correctement sont travail d'ou les déviances observées

  • When dealing with personal information the protection of personal information is very crucial and ensuring that the data is note easily accessible.
    Most of all integrity is very essential

  • Do no harm is an important ethical principle as it helps us to remain focused on the project during our data collection and ensuring we honor the dignity, well being and self worthy of individuals. we are further reminded to ensure participants give informed consent as they provide information during data collection. it also reminds us to ensure participants remain anonymous so that we do not attach individuals to data collected. These will help us in ensuring we get a reduction in data bias.

  • Ethical considerations are paramount in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices. This involves ensuring the well-being of individuals and minimizing potential harm. Ethical M&E requires thoughtful data collection, transparency, informed consent, data anonymity, and an awareness of how data may be used. The aim is to enrich participants' experiences and contribute positively to society.
    Neglecting ethical considerations in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices can result in a range of significant drawbacks for a company. These include reputation damage, legal consequences, loss of stakeholder trust, data breaches, harm to participants, impaired decision-making, regulatory risks, and a potential loss of competitive advantage. Prioritizing ethical M&E is essential for building trust, safeguarding the company's reputation, and mitigating these risks effectively.

  • Before collecting any data it is useful to stop and assess the situation, to make sure that money and time is
    not wasted. The basic principles of data collection include keeping things as simple as possible; planning
    the entire process of data selection, collection, analysis and use from the start; and ensuring that any data
    collected is valid, reliable and credible. all of the previously mentioned factors could not be ensured unless they are done in an honest way.

  • Yes..the data found by me in this case could further destroy or damage this group of people because the data clearly shows that these people committed crimes and at the same time the political people looking for this same kind of people.Thereby putting their lives even more at stake.

  • Considering the experience of participants is such an underrated insight.

  • I agree! .. I think In the context of M&E data collection, adhering to the "Do No Harm" principle and they must ensures that data collection is conducted in a manner that respects participants' rights, minimizes potential harm, and contributes to the well-being of the communities involved.

  • M&E practitioners should be transparent about the purpose and objectives of the M&E process, the data collection methods, and the use of the data collected. This involves providing participants with clear informatoin about the M&E process and ensuring that they understand the purpose and implications of their participation.

  • This is very insightful

  • Seeking consent can minimize any harm that may come from respondents

  •         The Do No Harm in principle is the leading tool for the application of conflict sensitive.
    

    According to De George, the Do No Harm principal is one of the essential elements of ethical performance within organizations. Certainly, it is usually implied that organizations and individual entrepreneurs should avoid any harm while pursuing their business objectives.

  • This is extremely important as in as much as we want to collect data it has to be done in a way that do not harm, endanger or affect the dignity of any one involved.

  • Ensuring that monitoring and evaluation (M&E) practices cause no harm to participants, stakeholders, or other people is crucial. Here are some ways to achieve this:

    Consider the Experience of Participants: Make the data collection process as simple, intuitive, and efficient as possible to avoid causing stress or confusion. For example, instead of lengthy and time-consuming processes, opt for shorter, more focused ones.

    Informed Consent: Always ensure that participants understand what they are agreeing to when they participate in a study. They should be fully aware of the risks involved and the purpose of the data collection.

    Anonymity and Confidentiality: Keep participant data anonymous and confidential. Anonymity ensures that data cannot be linked back to the individual who provided it, while confidentiality ensures that data can only be accessed by those who have permission.

    Avoid Exacerbating Existing Inequities: Be mindful of how your data could be used by others. Even if you present your data without prejudice, others may not do so. Always consider the potential implications and avoid releasing data that could be used to harm others.

  • Keeping data or information collected from people confidential and anonymous is what will encourage people to share their information whether its is a sensitive or not with anyone collecting data. Its good to always keep your promise/word and ensure that you don't breech this

  • no, I will not release this data because it will cause more damage to this people which I don't want because I follow the principle which says: Do No Harm. so when am collecting my data I will skip any information that may cause harm to people.

  • "Do No Harm" is a fundamental ethical principle often associated with the field of healthcare, particularly in medical ethics. It emphasizes the importance of avoiding actions or decisions that could cause harm to patients. Healthcare professionals, such as doctors and nurses, are bound by this principle, which is rooted in the Hippocratic Oath, one of the most widely known ethical codes in the medical profession.

    In a broader sense, the principle of "Do No Harm" can be applied to various contexts beyond healthcare, such as in research, business, and everyday life. It highlights the moral obligation to consider the potential negative consequences of one's actions and to prioritize the well-being and safety of others.

    Adhering to the principle of "Do No Harm" requires careful consideration of the consequences of actions, empathy, and a commitment to making ethical decisions that prioritize the welfare of individuals and society as a whole. It serves as a guiding principle for ethical decision-making and underscores the importance of ethical behavior in all aspects of life.

  • Different groups require different assurances in every stage when engaging with community programs. By ensuring anonymity and confidentiality as well as not being biased during data collection is a sure way of getting the right information from them. Organizations should have limits to who can access some of the data collected to prevent it being compromised. Also regular staff capacity building sessions can help to instill such practices in them.

  • The principle of “do no harm” remains a major concern for all the religious groups. The notion “do no harm” embodies the medical ethics principle of “non-maleficence”, that is to refrain from doing any harm first, before doing any good
    The harm principle says people should be free to act however they wish unless their actions cause harm to somebody else

  • The principle of “do no harm” remains a major concern for all the religious groups. The notion “do no harm” embodies the medical ethics principle of “non-maleficence”, that is to refrain from doing any harm first, before doing any good
    The harm principle says people should be free to act however they wish unless their actions cause harm to somebody else

  • The principle of “do no harm” remains a major concern for all the religious groups. The notion “do no harm” embodies the medical ethics principle of “non-maleficence”, that is to refrain from doing any harm first, before doing any good
    The harm principle says people should be free to act however they wish unless their actions cause harm to somebody else

  • The principle of “do no harm” remains a major concern for all the religious groups. The notion “do no harm” embodies the medical ethics principle of “non-maleficence”, that is to refrain from doing any harm first, before doing any good
    The harm principle says people should be free to act however they wish unless their actions cause harm to somebody else

  • Designing questions that do no harm means considering potential risks for all stakeholders (enumerators, Key Informant, community, organization...) at all stages of the process, including Data Collection, Storage, Analysis, Dissemination and Use. Data is shared with partners, either publicly or through data sharing agreements. It is therefore crucial to consider the consequences that the shared data may have for population, organizations and staff also as we design the data collection tools. For each question included in the questionnaire, we should assess benefits and risks, in the current and potential future context, of sharing and NOT sharing data. Appropriate measures should be put in place to minimize harm when sharing (e.g., Data Sharing SoPs, Agreements, aggregate data to a level that is not harmful)
    During implementation, it is important that Enumerators feel able to inform data team when they could not ask a question, without this leading to negative consequences for their job security. Feedback of such instances will trigger modification in the questionnaire and be reported back to partners who originally asked for that information. This will improve the quality and reliability of data.
    Finally, during and after data is collected, analysed and shared, data team and partners should also monitor the consequences (benefits, risks...) of data sharing and of NOT sharing.

  • It very ethical important to ensure that the personal information of your beneficiaries are kept confidential. In other words you have to ensure that collected data is stored somewhere no authorized persons can have access to it. In the nutshell this will ensure that the safety of our beneficiary is guaranteed.

  • The principle of do no harm, guides us as humanitarian works, to avoid any situation that can cause harm to our beneficiaries this include revealing they identity in case of participating in an project research or data collection

  • It is essential that people working in the international development sector and especially those who deal with vulnerable populations, should make sure that their M§E practises won't harm these groups in any way.

  • Pour ma part ce un principe tres important parce qu'il permet de preserver l'integriter phusique et morale des individus

  • Ensuring ethical Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices involves considering the participant experience, obtaining informed consent, maintaining anonymity and confidentiality, and being mindful of potential harm or exacerbation of inequities that could result from data release.

  • The data must not be used for publication or disclosure of its confidentiality to determine goals؟

  • it is extremely importante to keep this in mind specially in the collection section where people may think is stressful and time consuming

  • Do no harm others is a crucial principle to protect the information of people you're collecting data during M&E.

  • that is why learning code of conduct and competition compliancy is essential.

  • Monitoring: Collecting project information regularly to measure the progress of your project or activity. This helps to track performance over time and to make informed decisions about the effectiveness of projects and the efficient use of resources.

    Evaluation: Evaluation measures how well the project activities have achieved the project’s objectives and how much changes in outcomes can be directly linked to a project’s interventions.

  • PHILANTHROPY
    UNIVERSITY
    3
    FHI360
    From Data Collection to Data Use
    Course
    Welcome Module
    Module 1
    Introduction
    Ethical Principles
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    1

    1. Ethics and M&E
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      MODULE 1
      Ethical Principles
      Ethics and M&E
      Ethics and M&E
      The example on the previous page illustrates one of many possible ethical issues that you might encounter during M&E work. In the example above, there could be serious consequences if the organization and their partner limit their data collection to a small set of wealthy, ethnically homogenous women:

    The conclusions they draw from this data may be biased toward the perspectives of wealthy women from a single ethnic group
    The solutions they design based on these data may not work for women who were not represented in the poll
    They may not be able to rely on these data for important decisions
    Ethics—the principles that guide morally correct behavior—are a big deal in M&E. If used properly, M&E is a tool for distinguishing truth from fiction and for creating just, positive solutions. If unethical choices are made, however, it can be difficult to know what is true. Poor, unwise, or unjust decisions can be made. Even worse, your data practices may endanger the very people you hope to help.

  • Do no harm
    this include obtaining informed consent, ensuring confidentiality and privacy, and avoiding harm or negative consequences. Non- maleficence. M&E practitioners should avoid causing harm to participants, including physical, psichological, social or economic harm.

  • It's every leaders duty to ensure Participants are experienced,there's informed consent on how to collect and use data ,ensure confidentiality of participants data and to avoid that data from reaching unoauthorised users

  • According to the ethics involved in undertaking a social research, one of the prerequisites to be taken into the consideration is that, the ethical consideration plays a major role in conducting a social research. The units of of analysis should be well structured and such ethical elements such as, DO NO HARM should be well observed as caution in carrying out the study. The information to be gathered should well reserved and treated as confidential information so as to not have a negative impact to the units of analysis.

  • This is really a nice topic, ethics needs to be considered in data collection so that we get the desired information which can be used for the success of our organization. we need to avoid the harms so that our beneficiaries are respected as we get the required data or information for our programs or projects.

  • this is really great

  • this is really great

  • this is really great, am really enjoying. the principles just sserve as fuel for an M & E process

  • Be sure that your result do not harm, and explain fluently what we want and are dooing clearly

  • do no harm simply means that one needs to consider potential risks for all involved stakeholders .Key Informant, community or organization, at all stages of the process, including Data Collection, Storage, Analysis, Dissemination and Use.

  • It is important to allow participants to revoke their consent to being surveyed at any time. Often times in efforts to secure data for ELT's and external stakeholders, data is extracted without full, given, clear consent and/or instructions for use.

  • its very important to have ethical considerations during the process of collecting, managing, analyzing and storing data. Firstly, it is advisable for the participant to consent to the collection of the data, and on the part of the M&E officer, ensure that the data collected in made anonymous and is kept confidential to prevent any potential harm to the participant.

  • The "Do No Harm" principle is an ethical principle that guides data collection activities with the intention of minimizing any potential harm or negative consequences to individuals or communities involved in the data collection process. It emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations, respect for privacy, and ensuring the well-being and safety of participants.

    When collecting data, the "Do No Harm" principle entails several key aspects:

    1. Informed Consent: Prior to collecting data, consent should be obtained from individuals or communities participating in the data collection process. They should be fully informed about the purpose, methods, and potential risks or benefits associated with the data collection.

    2. Privacy and Confidentiality: Data collectors must ensure the confidentiality and privacy of the collected data. Personal identifying information should be protected, and data should be stored securely to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure.

    3. Minimizing Harm: Efforts should be made to minimize any potential harm or negative impact on individuals or communities during the data collection process. This includes avoiding sensitive or intrusive questioning, ensuring cultural sensitivity, and respecting the boundaries and well-being of participants.

    4. Data Use and Dissemination: Data should be used only for the intended purposes and should not be shared or disseminated in a way that could cause harm or violate privacy rights. Anonymization and aggregation techniques can be employed to protect the identity of individuals or communities when sharing data externally.

    5. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation should be conducted throughout the data collection process to assess any potential harm or unintended consequences. This allows for adjustments to be made to mitigate risks and ensure the ethical handling of data.

    Adhering to the "Do No Harm" principle helps to establish a responsible and ethical approach to data collection, ensuring the protection and well-being of participants while maintaining the integrity and quality of the data being collected.

  • Ensuring that your M&E practices cause no harm to participants, stakeholders, or other people is crucial for ethical and responsible conduct. Here are some considerations for achieving this:

    Participant Experience: Carefully design data collection processes to be respectful of participants' time and comfort. Avoid unnecessarily large, time-consuming, or stressful procedures. Strive for simplicity and clarity in the data collection process to enhance participants' experience.

    Informed Consent: Prioritize obtaining informed consent from participants. Clearly communicate the purpose of data collection, how their information will be used, and any potential risks involved. Be transparent about the study or project, and ensure participants have the option to withdraw their consent at any point.

    Legal and Ethical Compliance: Understand and adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines, especially when working with vulnerable populations. This is particularly crucial in areas such as medical research or studies involving children, prisoners, or individuals with intellectual disabilities.

    Anonymity and Confidentiality: Honor promises of anonymity and confidentiality. If data cannot be linked back to individuals (anonymous) or is accessible only to authorized personnel (confidential), it helps protect participants from potential harm. Safeguarding sensitive information is essential for maintaining trust.

    Equity Considerations: Be mindful of the potential impact of your data on existing social inequities. Analyze how your data might be interpreted or used by others, especially considering the broader social and political context. Avoid contributing to stereotypes or reinforcing biases that may harm specific groups.

  • This is an insightful piece on what should be considered before, during, and after engaging participants in any data collection exercise.

  • what is Do No Harm?

  • An approach which helps to identify unintended negative or positive impacts of humanitarian and development interventions in settings where there is conflict or risk of conflict. It can be applied during planning, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure that the intervention does not worsen the conflict but rather contributes to improving it. Do No Harm is considered an essential basis for the work of organizations operating in situations of conflict.

  • The activity of data collection can harm both the data collector and the participant if not handled ethically well. However in most cases, the participants experience the severe harm in ways such as losing their jobs, trust of their colleagues or even organization and even segregation at work. The data collector also faces problems such being regarded as incompetent in the the professional area in which he or she operates hence affecting their career.

  • The "Do no harm" principle reigns supreme in ethical M&E data collection as it requires safeguarding individuals and communities from potential negative impacts throughout the Data collection and usage process.

    Protecting privacy, avoiding exploitation, and minimizing psychological harm are crucial for individual well-being. For communities, preventing misrepresentation, exacerbating inequalities, and disrespecting cultural sensitivities are critical. Implementing the "Do no harm" principle requires informed consent, anonymity options, voluntary participation, and culturally sensitive methods.

    Training data collectors, conducting ethical reviews, and prioritizing data security further bolster this principle. Ultimately, "Do no harm" ensures not only ethical data collection but also builds trust and maintains the validity of your information.

  • Yes, indeed. The data released by my hypothetical organization could be used by political opponents for malicious intent. Political opponents could further undermine the concerned low-status group. It, therefore, is absolutely imperative that my organization explicitly exculpates itself from potential interpretations or inferences that may be drawn by third parties from the data it has released by attaching appropriate disclaimers in that regard. Additionally, as the data collected by my organization is likely to cause economic or reputational damage to participants, it is cardinal to ensure that informed consent is obtained from prospective participants prior to collecting data.

  • The data collected from such group of people should be anonymus and confidential as they might not be safe and their reputation may be damaged by releasing the information publicly.

  • Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) practices are essential for assessing the effectiveness and impact of programs and projects. Ensuring that these practices cause no harm to participants, stakeholders, or other people involves careful planning, ethical considerations, and a commitment to safeguarding the well-being of those involved. Here are some key principles and strategies to help minimize harm in M&E practices:

    Ethical Guidelines and Standards:

    Adhere to established ethical guidelines and standards for research and evaluation, such as those provided by professional organizations or regulatory bodies.
    Obtain informed consent from participants, ensuring they fully understand the purpose, risks, and benefits of the evaluation.
    Participation and Inclusion:

    Involve participants and stakeholders in the design and planning of the M&E process to ensure their perspectives are considered.
    Prioritize inclusivity and cultural sensitivity to avoid marginalizing or excluding certain groups.
    Do No Harm Principle:

    Apply the "do no harm" principle, which emphasizes minimizing negative impacts on individuals and communities.
    Consider the potential unintended consequences of the evaluation and take steps to mitigate them.
    Confidentiality and Anonymity:

    Safeguard the confidentiality and anonymity of participants by using coding systems, aggregating data, and storing information securely.
    Clearly communicate how data will be used and shared, assuring participants that their information will not be used against them.
    Risk Assessment:

    Conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential risks and challenges associated with the evaluation.
    Develop strategies to mitigate or address identified risks, and have contingency plans in place.
    Benefit Sharing:

    Communicate the potential benefits of the evaluation to participants and stakeholders.
    Ensure that any positive outcomes or learnings from the evaluation are shared transparently with the community.
    Capacity Building:

    Build the capacity of local stakeholders to participate in and understand the evaluation process.
    Provide training and support to ensure that participants are well-informed and able to engage effectively.
    Continuous Feedback Mechanisms:

    Establish mechanisms for ongoing feedback from participants and stakeholders to address concerns and make necessary adjustments.
    Foster open communication channels to address issues as they arise.
    Cultural Sensitivity:

    Be culturally sensitive and respect local customs, values, and norms throughout the evaluation process.
    Consult with local experts to better understand the context and potential cultural implications.
    Accountability and Transparency:

    Clearly communicate the goals and objectives of the evaluation to all involved parties.
    Be transparent about the methods used, findings, and limitations of the evaluation.
    By integrating these principles and strategies into your M&E practices, you can help ensure that your evaluation efforts are conducted ethically and with a commitment to minimizing harm to participants, stakeholders, and other people involved. Regularly reassess and adapt your approach based on feedback and changing circumstances

  • Do Not Harm, knowingly or unknowingly while you are in the Process of M^E mostly in the Data Collection Activities.

    The Collected Data must not be used in any ways or should not be leaked and fell into parties who can use it on their own way to get benefit politically / financially or may track and harm people associated with the Data or the Data Collector.

    Intentionally one should not do it and we need to make sure that even unintentionally we / it must not create any harm to others.

    Honesty is most important.

  • As humanitarians, we must never forget to be ethical in discharging our various duties. We work in a sensitive environment, and so we must ensure to prioritize our participants safety when collecting and using their data, which is in accordance with the Do No Harm ethical principle.

  • From the discussion point, it is clear that ethical matters are critical in data collection as seeing from the notes. The Do No Harm has discussed very important issues such as ensuring that the participants are not harmed in the process of data collection by the following; easy data collection (reduce on the volume of data to be collected - reduces stress), anonymous of participants - participants identities must be confidential, and avoid where data might exacerbate existing inequalities among the sections of the communities.

  • I do agree that sometimes the data collection tool can be too long and the respondents withdraw in the middle. This will result in incomplete data leading to poor quality data.
    There is also need for proper training of enumerators on these ethical issues.

  • Handling data responsibly, especially when it involves sensitive information about marginalized or low-status groups, is crucial to avoid perpetuating harm or reinforcing stereotypes. When dealing with such data, ethical considerations are paramount. Here are some principles to guide responsible data release in this scenario:

    1. Privacy Protection:
      Ensure that the data released does not compromise the privacy of individuals within the group.
      2.Ethical Review:
      Seek input from ethicists or conduct an ethical review of the decision to release the data.
      Consider the potential harm and benefits of the data release.
      By adhering to these principles, organizations can strive to release data responsibly, promoting transparency, protecting privacy, and avoiding further harm to vulnerable groups. It's essential to prioritize ethical considerations over short-term political or public relations gains.
  • So, how can you ensure that your M&E practices cause no harm to participants, stakeholders or other people?

    Consider the experience of your participants.

    Think about the people from whom you are collecting data. What is the experience of providing data like? Is it stressful and confusing or simple and intuitive? Is it time-consuming or efficient?

    Unfortunately, all too often, organizations design data collection processes that are too large, time-consuming or stressful.

    One common example of this phenomenon is academic testing. In an effort to understand whether academic programs are working, many school systems around the world have implemented standardized tests. However, as the length and number of these tests have grown, some people have become concerned that children now spend too much time preparing for tests and too little time participating in other worthwhile activities. The measurement instrument, according to some, is damaging the educational experience of the participants.

    Ensure that all participants give informed consent to collect and use their data.

    In the past, many people have participated in studies without understanding the risks involved. As a result, these people have suffered.

    This is why it is so important to ensure that the people you are collecting data from understand exactly what they are agreeing to participate in.

    Depending on the type of data that you are collecting, there may be particular laws or regulations with which you need to comply. Rules for obtaining informed consent can be particularly complex when you are doing medical research or working with vulnerable populations like children, prisoners or the intellectually disabled.

    Ensure that, when appropriate, participant data is kept anonymous and confidential.

    Data is anonymous if it cannot be linked back to the individual who provided it. Data is confidential if it can only be accessed by those who have permission.

    Often, when we collect information from individuals, we promise that the data will be kept anonymous and confidential. This helps us collect information about topics that people might otherwise not want to discuss.

    It is extremely important that we keep these promises.

    Releasing highly sensitive information, such as health, sexual or political information, can damage an individual’s reputation or safety. Even information that may not seem sensitive, such as addresses or ages, can cause harm if it is released. Imagine, for example, that you release the names and addresses of your beneficiaries. Individuals who might want to harm your beneficiaries could use your data to locate them.

    Identify and avoid potential areas where your data may exacerbate existing inequities.

    Even if you are extremely careful about collecting and presenting accurate data without any prejudice, there is no guarantee that the people who read about your data will be so careful. This is why you should always consider how others might use your data. Could it be used to cause harm to others?

    For example, imagine that your organization is working with a low-status group of individuals. People belonging to this group are often blamed by politicians for local problems. Your data suggests that some of the people belonging to this group have committed crimes. Could the data that you release be used by political opponents to further damage this group of people?

  • Help me understand how to present data.

  • You should not intentionally or unintentionally cause physical or emotional harm to the people affected by your work. you should also honor the dignity and wellbeing of individuals.

  • In the context of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), "DO NOT HARM" refers to a principle that emphasizes the importance of ensuring that interventions or programs do not cause unintended negative consequences or harm to individuals, communities, or the environment. It is a guiding ethical principle that underscores the responsibility of organizations and practitioners to carefully consider the potential risks and unintended side effects of their actions.

    When implementing projects, policies, or programs, monitoring and evaluation processes should be designed not only to assess the positive impacts but also to identify and mitigate any potential negative effects. This involves a proactive approach to minimize harm, protect the well-being of the target population, and avoid exacerbating existing challenges or creating new problems.

    The "DO NOT HARM" principle aligns with the broader ethical considerations in development work, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of the social, cultural, and environmental context in which interventions take place. This principle encourages practitioners to prioritize the well-being and rights of the affected individuals and communities throughout the project lifecycle.

  • In this Module I have learnt that Do No harm means to honor the dignity, well being and self worthy of individuals you are dealing with during a field study or any data collection exercise undertaken by your organization or any other organizations,I also learnt on practice's that ensures not to cause any harm to the individuals interviewed,These are;
    1.Consider experience of your participants
    2.Ensure to keep participants data Confidential and anonymous.
    3.Always obtain Consent from the individual before interviewing them.
    4.Identify and avoid potential areas where your data may be misused by third parties to cause harm to individuals.

  • Do No Harm is the key component in M&E especially when you want to collect data. As we have read in this module, to respect the responders' honor and dignity. the other important thing making the participants ensure that collecting data are fully confidential and never being shared except by the permission holder. I think it should be considered during data collection. As we all know, participation in the surveys are fully optional, we have to deal with them in good manner.

  • The principle of DO NO HARM plays a key and vital role in ensuring that data collection, analysis and use does not cause harm either to those it was collected from and/or those it will be applied to.

  • Consent and experience of participants is very important to take note during your data collection process.

  • It's true,
    I remember the time I worked as an enumerator for a certain organisation. The first thing I used was to educate or sensitise the communities about our project and why we needed data from them. Then, I can ask them if I can collect data from them, and some of them could even decline my request. The problem which have observed so far is that some enumerators they do not know the ethics considerations when it comes to collect data from the participants.

  • To ensure that your M&E practices cause no harm to participants, stakeholders or other people, I must first consider the experience of my participants, ensure that all participants give informed consent to collect and use their data as well as ensure that, participant data is kept anonymous and confidential. lastly, I have to identify and avoid potential areas where my data may exacerbate existing inequities.

  • When dealing with data, individuals and organizations need to consider ethics and avoid causing harm. There are few key aspects related to the context of do no harm. These are - 1. Ensure the consent of participants when collecting data. 2. Ensure privacy and security of collected data. 3. Ensure fair and ethical use of data. 4. Ensure accountability and transparency. 5. Maintain data accqurecy.

  • What an interesting topic.

    On getting consent before collecting data, this consent need to be in written form? or even through word of mouth? If word of mouth would be considered what would be the evidence incase one participant says she or he did not give consent?

    A
    1 Reply
  • I like the fact about what data anonymous mean

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    1 Reply
  • From the previous lesson on the importance of "Do No Harm" during M&E data collection, I have learned several key points. First and foremost, I now understand the ethical considerations and responsibilities that M&E practitioners have towards the well-being and safety of participants. Respecting their rights, maintaining confidentiality, and obtaining informed consent are paramount.

    I have also realized the significance of avoiding harm and unintended consequences during data collection processes. By proactively identifying and mitigating risks, practitioners can ensure that the data collection process does not cause adverse effects, stigmatization, or negative outcomes for participants.

    Trust and cooperation emerged as vital components of successful data collection. Building trust with participants by adhering to "Do No Harm" principles fosters cooperation and willingness to engage. This, in turn, enhances the quality and reliability of the collected data.

    The lesson has also highlighted the importance of valid and reliable data. By prioritizing the well-being of participants and creating a safe environment, M&E practitioners can minimize biases, encourage honest and accurate responses, and reduce the potential for data manipulation or coercion. This ultimately contributes to meaningful analysis and decision-making.

    Furthermore, I have learned that the principle of "Do No Harm" has long-term implications for the impact and sustainability of development initiatives. By upholding ethical standards and protecting participants, M&E practitioners contribute to positive change and prevent unintended negative consequences.

  • If my organization is working with low status groups whom the politicians think or might link to crimes, then sharing this data would lead to them being victimized or even portrays as the derailers of development which might not necessarily be true. The privacy of this people should be protected.

  • Confidentiality is critical in data collection a component of M&E as everything is centered around Monitoring, Evaluation and informed decision-making. I'm experienced working with vulnerable groups (refugees). In a team, we collected detailed information about refugees using UNHCR's Tools and Templates; from personal biodata to their entire life. Through the Protection Team, they were informed about the sensitivity of that data we collected from them, how valued they are and how every word provided the team is kept private.
    It is important to inform the beneficiaries what you are collecting data for and they should consent, except as mentioned above, in critical scenarios of health, as well as children.

  • Data collection is one of the most delicate part of M&E.
    The first thing is to understand the competence of the respondents and this can be evaluated in terms of education, age and even work experience. This means that questions should be proportional to the respondents and this will guarantee you some fair responses.

    Another important factor is consenting. It means that researchers should ask permission from the respondents before doing the data collection exercise. This is very important because most of these information such as health records are very crucial and can only be obtained using a proper consenting means possible.

    In conclusion, for the respondents to give you meaningful information, it therefore means that you have guaranteed them safety of their information. So the concept of anonymity and confidentiality should be taken very seriously. The aftermath also is very important in the sense that the information obtained can as well be used as a secondary source of information and therefore it is very paramount to keep it private.

  • This is very true but we need to dig deeper to understand the DO NOT HARM Concept

  • On ethics what are you trying to say by referring In the past, many people have participated in studies without understanding the risks involved. As a result, these people have suffered

  • It's crucial to be mindful of how data can be weaponized against marginalized communities. Before releasing any data, it's important to consider the potential consequences and how it could be misinterpreted or misused to perpetuate harm or reinforce existing biases. Safeguarding against this requires thoughtful analysis, transparency, and a commitment to ethical data practices to ensure that data is not used to exacerbate inequities or unfairly target specific groups.

  • It's crucial to be mindful of how data can be weaponized against marginalized communities. Before releasing any data, it's important to consider the potential consequences and how it could be misinterpreted or misused to perpetuate harm or reinforce existing biases. Safeguarding against this requires thoughtful analysis, transparency, and a commitment to ethical data practices to ensure that data is not used to exacerbate inequities or unfairly target specific groups.

  • Do meu ponto de vista, sim diante estes dados poderá prejudicar os participantes devido a tendência de dados pela informação que trás, sendo estes cometidores de crimes.
    Mas, também vai depender da finalidade de uso destes dados colectado e for os dados para foro político e caso não manteremos os dados em confidenciais.

  • Sim, poderá ser usado por parte interessante deste grupo populacional se não honrarmos com o anonimato e confidencialidade das informações obtida pelo nosso grupo alvo. Consequentemente estaremos a violar os princípios éticos da pesquisa.

  • During my undergraduate project, I had to collect blood samples from a lot of people, because of that I needed an ethical clearance and I had to take consent of all participants and promised to keep them anonymous

  • Do no harm encompasses a lot of ethical issues. It may mean be confidential on the data you have received. This is is done to avoid damage or any risk if such kind of data is released. Another think to take into account on this subject is considering the experience of the participant. Don't make the tools for data collection extremely long that it will be stressful and also that which maybe very disrespectful. Also, tailor the tools in relation to general background of participants

  • The answer is affirmative, as it is your responsibility as a data collector to gather project data ethically, which entails taking the confidentiality and privacy of the organisations you are gathering data for into account. Without a question, the information you disclose has the potential to negatively impact these groups. Prior to doing so, you need their permission and to inform them that this information will be shared with local lawmakers and the government. You need also let them know about the implications before you interview them.

  • Also, your intention is to get solution for an existence problem not to create another dilemma, consider the ethical principles of monitoring and evaluation specifically the Do No Harm principles.

  • I believe consent will be given in writing, and you need to make sure the respondent is aware of what is included.He or she may claim, "I didn't understand the consent's language."

  • Doing people harm may cause people to lose trust in your organisation thus this may be difficult during future projects where data may be required

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