Experiences of leadership of cross-disciplinary research

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore one aspect of the context of cross-disciplinary research, that is, how leadership is understood and constructed within teams or groups that set out to undertake cross-disciplinary research and to consider what aspects of leadership can be identified as important in that context. Using applied thematic analysis, participants' understandings of leadership are identified from interviews with researchers involved in cross-disciplinary research collaborations through Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) and Directors of Research Offices who deal with those CRCs. The understandings identified are consistent with the structural, human resource, political and cultural (or symbolic) organisational frames identified by Bolman and Deal (2008). The resulting understanding of research leadership is compared with the literature relating to barriers to and facilitators of cross-disciplinary research. Using Robinson's (2005) technique of 'backward mapping', it is concluded that those aspects of leadership of research as experienced by the participants that are most relevant to successful conduct of cross-disciplinary research relate to: management questions around arranging groups meetings; communication between members of the group; and openness to and recognition of the contributions of others, described as not being ego driven. Other aspects of the leadership of research identified in this study are also experienced as being important but do not address issues of particular significance to cross-disciplinary research.