Trans-discipline engineering communication characteristics and norms: An exploration of communication behaviours within engineering practice

Abstract

Industrial firms dependent on their developed engineering knowledge base lament the loss of years of accumulated capability as Baby Boom generation engineers fade into retirement. Looking for ways to retain this institutional learning, the notion of knowledge transfer between engineers of differing generations offers an opportunity to maintain competitive positioning and innovation momentum. Understanding how communication behaviours and preferences differ among the engineering disciplines and generations may be a key toward supporting corporate knowledge transfer. This exploratory study compares communication norms across disciplines of nearly 400 practicing engineers in America, seeking to identify similarities and differences. The study examines responses to a communications focused survey instrument using analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical methods, offering a glimpse into engineering communication preferences and behaviours. Findings reveal that statistical differences relating to communication do not exist between the ten examined engineering disciplines, however, further inquiry and instrument development is suggested.