Research · Research
Research from Executive Communities
Turn first-party executive insight into useful, ethical knowledge products.
On this page
What community research can doSeparate discussion from researchPublish the methodProtect participantsManage sponsor influenceUseful outputsCommunity research can combine surveys, interviews and facilitated discussions when consent, attribution and methodology are clear.
What community research can do
A community can identify shared questions, collect first-party survey responses, conduct qualitative interviews and publish useful synthesis. Research should serve a defined question and return value to participants rather than convert private access into promotional claims.
Separate discussion from research
Attendance at an event is not automatic consent to be studied or quoted. Explain when a survey, interview or discussion will inform a publication, how responses will be used and whether attribution is possible. Provide a meaningful choice.
Adapt this guidance to member context. Seek professional legal and privacy advice where regulatory obligations apply.
Publish the method
State the sample definition, recruitment approach, field dates, question wording, response count where publishable, analysis method and limitations. A community sample may be valuable but should not be presented as representative of all executives without evidence.
Protect participants
Collect the minimum data needed, limit access and avoid publishing combinations of details that could identify a respondent. Review cross-border data obligations with qualified advisers. Do not promise anonymity when the sample or quotation context makes identification likely.
Manage sponsor influence
Disclose who funded the work. Sponsors may help identify useful questions, but editorial conclusions should not be contingent on favorable findings. Keep commercial follow-up separate from research participation.
Useful outputs
Outputs may include insight briefs, benchmark reports, market maps and structured datasets when the underlying evidence supports them. Label publisher analysis and external sources separately. Preserve version and citation information.
Publisher perspective
This guide reflects the operating experience and editorial judgment of Open Future Forum and Murray Newlands. It is practical guidance, not an official industry standard or legal advice.
Read the full disclosure →Put this into practice
Use the related template
Adapt the template to your members, format and jurisdiction. Governance, confidentiality, privacy and sponsorship materials are not legal advice.
Open the related templateSources and references
Primary references used on this page
Primary guidance on lawfulness, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, retention, security and accountability.
Primary regulator guidance on valid, specific, informed and withdrawable consent.
Primary professional guidance on survey design, sampling, fieldwork, disclosure and reporting.
Primary U.S. research-ethics framework covering respect for persons, beneficence and justice.
Related Open Future Forum Projects