Guest Post by Dr. Viviana Meschitti
___________________________
Academic collaboration is rarely investigated as it develops within real research groups. This study focuses on a team composed by ten people at different steps of the academic career, and it sheds light on the relationships linking hierarchy, leadership, mutual engagement among team members, participation to group activities, socialization of doctoral students. An empowering form of leadership motivates participation and facilitates the development of a community of practice where learning is maximized, with positive effects for PhD students.
The study is available online:
Meschitti V. (2012). Fostering teamwork and socialization in collaborative working environments. Insights from a situated study on a university research team. PhD thesis. Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.