Abstract
Background
Twinning collaborations, where two groups — from educational institutions, hospitals
or towns — work together cross-culturally on joint goals, are increasingly common
worldwide. Pairing up individuals, so-called twin pairs, is thought to contribute
to successful collaboration in twinning projects, but as yet, there is no empirical
evidence or theory that offers insight into the value of the pair relationship for
twinning.
Aim
To explore the contribution of one-to-one relationships between twins to twinning
projects, as exemplified in projects between Dutch and Moroccan, and Dutch and Sierra
Leone midwives.
Methods
We conducted thirteen in-depth interviews with midwives from two twinning collaborations.
Interviews were transcribed and analysed using an iterative, grounded theory process,
yielding a theoretical understanding of one-to-one twinning relationships for twinning
collaborations.
Findings
Participant comments fell into four substantive categories: 1) Being named a twin,
2) moving beyond culture to the personal level, 3) searching for common ground to
engage, 4) going above and beyond the twinning collaboration. Their interplay demonstrates
the value of twin pairs in paving the way for successful twinning.
Discussion
A complex combination of contextual inequities, personality, and cultural differences
affect the twin relationship. Trusting relationships promote effective collaboration,
however, as ‘trust’ cannot be mandated, it must be built by coaching twins in personal
flexibility and (cultural) communication.
Conclusion
By offering original insights into the ways twinning relationships are built, our
research explores how twin pairs can enhance the success of twinning projects.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 21, 2020
Accepted:
January 22,
2020
Received in revised form:
January 22,
2020
Received:
December 10,
2019
Identification
Copyright
© 2020 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
