Evaluating Team Dynamics in Interdisciplinary Science Teams

Autor/inn/en	Bolduc, Sara; Knox, John; Ristroph, E. Barrett
Titel	Evaluating Team Dynamics in Interdisciplinary Science Teams
Quelle	In: Higher Education Evaluation and Development, 17 (2023) 2, S.70-81 (12 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
DOI	10.1108/HEED-10-2021-0069
Schlagwörter	Teamwork; Cooperative Learning; Evaluation Methods; Research Projects; Interdisciplinary Approach + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Kooperatives Lernen; Forschungsvorhaben; Fächerübergreifender Unterricht; Fächerverbindender Unterricht; Interdisziplinarität
Abstract	Purpose: This article considers how the evaluation of research teams can better account for the challenges of transdisciplinarity, including their larger team size and more diverse and permeable membership, as well as the tensions between institutional pressures on individuals to publish and team goals. Design/methodology/approach: An evaluation team was retained from 2015 to 2020 to conduct a comprehensive external evaluation of a five-year EPSCoR-funded program undertaken by a transdisciplinary research team. The formative portion of the evaluation involved monitoring the program's developmental progress, while the summative portion tracked observable program outputs and outcomes as evidence of progress toward short- and long-term goals. The evaluation team systematically reviewed internal assessments and gathered additional data for an external assessment via periodic participation in team meetings, participant interviews and an online formative team survey (starting in Year 2). Findings: Survey participants had a better understanding of the project's "Goals and Vision" compared to other aspects. "Work Roles," and particularly the timeliness of decision-making, were perceived to be a "Big Problem," specifically in regard to heavy travel by key managers/leadership. For "Communication Channels," Year 2 tensions included differing views on the extent to which management should be collaborative versus "hierarchical." These concerns about communication demonstrate that differences in language, culture or status impact the efficiency and working relationship of the team. "Authorship Credit/Intellectual Property" was raised most consistently each year as an area of concern. Originality/value: The study involves the use of a unique survey approach. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01