International Exchange of Social Work Knowledge: A Participatory Qualitative Study in a Non-Western Context

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Summary This study examines the experiences and knowledge exchanged through international dialog among social work practitioners and other stakeholders in non-Western contexts. A participatory qualitative design was employed in three intensive online sessions conducted in 2025, involving 26 social work practitioners, researchers and additional participants from nine Asian countries. Oral data from the dialogs and question-and-answer segments were recorded and transcribed. The resulting transcripts were analyzed and interpreted collaboratively through thematic analysis. Findings The collaborative thematic analysis yielded two primary domains. The first domain, “Knowledge from local and international perspectives,” consists of the themes “Local/indigenous communities” and “International perspectives and exchanges.” The second domain, “Diverse practical knowledge and perspectives,” comprises the themes “Universal/Western-rooted social work,” “Local/indigenous social work and its challenges” and “Integration and transformation of approaches.” Applications The findings demonstrate that international exchange of experiences and ideas among social work stakeholders can deepen diverse social work knowledge through dialog and collaborative learning. Furthermore, the value and future potential of sustained online dialog sessions were emphasized.

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Related topics: Social Work Education and Practice · Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights