Redefining institutional roles in agricultural research organisations—Directions for cultural change

Abstract

Agricultural research and service organisations increasingly face issues characterised by ambiguity, uncertainty and complexity. These characteristics derive from the interaction of technical, social and personal concerns about the operation of all agricultural business. The effective response of organisations such as the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) to such issues is largely conditioned by the quality of the relationships between the various professional groupings within the organisation. This paper, therefore, develops a framework for clarifying the roles of various groups in dealing with complex issues. Four significant groups of ‘estates’ are identified: scientific, professional (technological), administrative and political. The special contributions that each of these makes to the overall functioning of the organisation are described by locating their activities on a two-dimensional map. The map is constructed on two orthogonal axes: subjective-objective ways of knowing, and accepting-critical views of existing order. An ‘ideal typology’ of the four estates is contrasted with an analysis of the present relationships within the QDPI. The mismatch between the two typologies serves to define directions for cultural change to ensure that the organisation, and others like it, are well equipped to deal with contemporary issues in agriculture. The conclusions are that the QDPI needs to expand its technological roles, to redefine the role of administration and to emancipate its political direction from over-reliance on scientific inputs.