Alternative Communication Modes in International Team Research

Dobrov, G.M., Randolph, R.H., & Rauch, W. (1978). Alternative Communication Modes in International Team Research. IIASA Research Memorandum. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: RM-78-048

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Abstract

Three phenomena playing an increasing role in modern science are team research (TR), international scientific cooperation (ISC), and their intersection--international team research (ITR). Each faces numerous problems, however, and it is observed that the probelms of TR and ITR are not identical. This is especially so regarding problems of intra-team communication.

Starting from a general schematic view of the structure of scientific communication, conclusions are drawn about the alternative modes of communication possible in ITR. Four basic modes are identified, two of which rely on the use of telecommunications. Qualitative costs and benefits are discussed, based on the authors' practical experiences in ITR, and tenatative cost calculations are presented for several hypothetical communication configurations.

Electronic solutions to the problem of communication in ITR are shown to be neither inexpensive nor problem-free but, for some applications at least, potentially valuable as an adjunct to more conventional non-electronic solutions.

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