The transfer of research information within and by multicultural teams

Abstract

Abstract This paper reports findings of a study that sought better understanding of communications and other interactions within research teams composed of individuals from a variety of cultures. The study, focusing on economically developing countries, addressed the questions: (1) What kinds of processes do multicultural team researchers use to develop, exchange, and disseminate data and information, and (2) which factors affect the quality and outcome of such processes? Key concepts are introduced and assumptions regarding information flows and technology transfer are examined. Research in technology transfer and the diffusion of innovation within multicultural settings is reviewed briefly, as are the settings of multicultural research and recent trends in the operation of multicultural teams. Research methods for the study were descriptive and exploratory, employing a survey and in-person interviews. Preliminary analysis of data identified five major themes, characterizing the external environment of the respondents' projects, which may form an organizational framework for future research: sociopolitical climate, cultural climate, development-related trends within countries, information climate, and behavior patterns and attitudes. The study addressed facilitators of research and dissemination, barriers and their effects, and team research approaches considered by participants to be most likely to succeed in the future.