RESEARCH-DRIVEN POLICY LEADERSHIP IN SOCIAL WORK: ADVANCING EVIDENCE-BASED ADVOCACY, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH EQUITY, AND LEGISLATIVE REFORM

Abstract

Research-driven policy leadership in social work is increasingly important in addressing behavioral health disparities, inequitable resource allocation, and systemic policy gaps. This study highlights the imperative of repositioning social workers not only as service professionals but also as knowledge producers and policy influencers capable of driving legislative reform. Despite growing engagement in advocacy, a critical gap persists in understanding how evidence-based practice (EBP) is systematically integrated into leadership-driven policy transformation. This study explores how social workers use research evidence to implement effective policy leadership and the mechanisms by which EBP strengthens advocacy, legislative reform, and social accountability. Guided by constructivist and critical social theory frameworks, the study adopts a qualitative research design. Data were collected through document analysis, national policy reviews, and case-based reflections drawn from behavioral health and community development interventions in Sri Lanka. Thematic analysis was applied to identify patterns of research use, leadership engagement, and evidence-to-policy translation mechanisms. Findings indicate that research-engaged social workers significantly strengthen advocacy outcomes, improve legislative responsiveness, and promote equitable resource allocation. Core leadership competencies including critical inquiry, strategic communication, and cross-sector collaboration emerged as essential in influencing governance structures. Institutional barriers, limited research funding, and weak policy-practice integration remain key challenges. This study underscores the urgent need to institutionalize research leadership training within social work education and to establish structured platforms for evidence-based advocacy at national and sub-national levels.