Exploring Relational Dynamics in Global Institutional Partnerships: A Protocol for a Multi-Method Qualitative Study of Capacity Strengthening

Capacity strengthening is widely invoked within global health and development, yet the concept lacks a shared foundation. Its inconsistent use, coupled with limited theoretical and methodological development, hampers efforts to establish equitable and well-functioning collaborations. Emerging work suggests that the success and sustainability of capacity strengthening initiatives depend on the quality of relationships between partners, particularly whether collaboration is equitable and fosters mutual learning and growth, i.e. mutual capacity strengthening. Yet, how such relational dynamics can be facilitated remains insufficiently understood. This study protocol outlines a multi-method qualitative project examining how relational dynamics shape equitable and functional capacity strengthening within a global partnership. Grounded in interactionist and social constructionist perspectives, the study employs organisational ethnography and theory-informed analysis of relational implementation strategies informed by participatory approaches. The project addresses persistent conceptual and methodological gaps in capacity research. Using the multi-partner Partnership for Education of Health Professionals (PEP) as a case study, the research investigates how collaboration unfolds in transnational partnerships. The project comprises four interconnected sub-studies: a scoping review of the conceptual and methodological landscape of capacity strengthening; an organisational ethnography of relational dynamics within PEP; an examination of how relational implementation strategies activate mechanisms supporting equitable and functional collaboration; and a synthesis translating insights into practitioner-oriented resources. Collectively, the project advances the emerging field of capacity research and provides actionable guidance for navigating relational complexity in global partnerships, positioning capacity strengthening as a relational and interactional process of change.