I’m thrilled to share my experiences working on the project titled “Spouses' Relative Influence on Public Good Contributions and Private Good Investments: Does Decision Domain Make a Difference?” This research took place in the vibrant Mekong Delta, where we had the opportunity to interview 220 spouses to explore the dynamics of decision-making within households.

One of the unique aspects of this project was the methodology we employed. We conducted separate interviews with wives and husbands, allowing us to capture their perspectives independently. This approach aimed to shed light on how spouses influence each other’s contributions to public goods and investments in private goods. Understanding these dynamics is crucial, as they can significantly impact resource allocation and community development.

Before launching the main survey, we conducted a pilot study with student couples at my university and some spouses in Ben Tre. This initial phase was invaluable, helping us refine our survey instruments and ensure that our questions were clear and culturally relevant. It also provided an opportunity to test our interviewing techniques and make any necessary adjustments before the full-scale data collection

As the local project manager, I played a pivotal role in overseeing the survey implementation. This experience was both challenging and rewarding. I coordinated logistics, managed the team, and ensured that the interviews were conducted smoothly and professionally. Working closely with the PhD student from the University of Gothenburg was enlightening; I learned a lot about the intricacies of managing a research project and the importance of effective communication.

Throughout the survey process, I was immensely proud of my students who assisted with data collection. Their dedication and hard work truly stood out, and it was inspiring to see them engage with the community. They approached each interview with professionalism and empathy, which fostered trust and encouraged open dialogue with the respondents. The insights we gathered from these interviews will be instrumental in understanding how spouses influence each other's decision-making processes regarding public and private goods.