Differences in motivational mindset affecting collaboration of virtual research organisation

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to clarify the effect of differences in motivational mindset on collaboration in a virtual research organisation. The research was implemented as an action research of one project case. The main result of the research was that differences in mindsets make research collaboration challenging if the differences are not recognised together in prior. Since it is difficult to change mindsets in a short time, it would rather be beneficial to find suitable persons for roles that feel natural to them. The main limitation of the research was its focus on only one case. However, as a practical advantage we believe that the results can also be utilised by other research organisations and funders by avoiding the pitfalls recognised in the research. The novelty value of the research is created by detailed analysis of the problems created by differences in mindsets in a virtual research organisation.