Teams in CSIRO: Reorganising for national research imperatives

Abstract

SummaryCSIRO is the pre-eminent Australian research organisation. In this paper, we discuss how CSIRO, with its new focus on Flagship research, collaborative research, and ‘theme and stream’ research, faces some major challenges. In our analysis of teams at CSIRO we draw on statements made by CSIRO leaders about team function and importance. We also draw on empirical evidence from studies of CSIRO teams over the past decade for insights into how they are performing and some of their principal characteristics. This provides a point of departure for discussing the challenges ahead.The paper also touches on the psycho-social challenges of working in Research and Development (R&D) teams, particularly those that cross discipline and organisational boundaries. We look at some design features of CSIRO teams, such as long tenure and practices used to support team formation and development. Our evidence shows a positive profile of CSIRO teams on leadership, resources, and team dynamics and a high level of trust. The Organisation’s attention to training its project teams is an important factor in its ability to meet its goals and will become increasingly important as it moves from 2007 to the matrix structure needed to conduct large scale programmatic research of national significance.