Ethical ethos in cross-national social research: Ghanaian researchers’ reflections

In conducting cross-national research emphasis is often put on the concept being studied and the design of the research. By contrast, the relevance of the ethical ethos of the research within the different countries is least discussed. This paper reflects on three levels of ethical requirements in a comparative study undertaken in United Kingdom and Ghana by discussing the differences in the negotiation for ethical approval for a study in a developed and developing country. It also reveals that whereas an introduction of formality, signed consent forms, in a voluntary process in the United Kingdom is taken as part of the research process; in Ghana, it was rather off putting. Consideration of the ethical ethos at the planning stage within the different countries being studied is suggested as an important element to ensure success in cross-national research. The reflection by the authors contributes to the literature on conducting cross-national research thus impacting on research design in developing and developed countries.