EXPLORATION OF ORAL/INFORMAL TECHNICAL COMMUNICATIONS BEHAVIOR

Abstract

Abstract : The report explored and defined the boundaries of informal scientific and technological communication, based on data from scientists and engineers. A major purpose of the report was to determine the kinds of management decisions needed to enhance research productivity by improving informal research communication. The report includes: (1) a survey of current literature on research relating to informal scientific communications; (2) a summation of informal communications problems reported by research managers and their suggestions for improvement; and (3) an analysis of interviews, questionnaires, and critical incident reports supplied from 326 research project directors. Data is reported on: (1) how informal and formal communications are interrelated; (2) how difficult-to-obtain information is located; (3) the values of informal research communications; (4) effects on research motivation and innovation; (5) informational exchanges and newsletters; (6) intra-organization communications; (7) inter-disciplinary communications; (8) directories of specialists; (9) visiting of other laboratories; (10) meetings and conferences; (11) use of communications technology; (12) restrictions on information transfer; and (13) the functions of informal communications in the research process. The evidence produced by the participating research project directors testified to their broadness of perspective, and to the importance that they attach to problems of informal communications. The report substantiates values they place on informal communications to a very high degree. A list of overall problems and recommendations completes the report.

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