Examining cross-national research teamwork: revealing rewards and challenges. (12th January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McAlpine, Lynn; Skakni, Isabelle; Sala-Bubaré, Anna; Weise, Crista; Inouye, Kelsey
• Is Part Of: Qualitative research journal. Volume 21:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 361
• Page End: 374
• Publication Date: 2021-01-12
• Subjects: Teamwork -- Research teams -- Cross-national -- Communication; Qualitative research -- Periodicals; Social sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 300.72
• DOI: 10.1108/QRJ-06-2020-0067
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1443-9883

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: Teamwork has long featured in social science research. Further, with research increasingly "cross-national, " communication becomes more complex, for instance, involving different cultures, languages and modes of communication. Yet, studies examining team communicative processes that can facilitate or constrain collaboration are rare. As a cross-national European team representing varied disciplines, experiences, languages and ethnicities, we undertook to examine our communication processes with the aim to promote better qualitative research practices. Design/methodology/approach: Viewing reflection as a tool for enhancing workplace practices, we undertook a structured reflection. We developed an empirically derived framework about team communication, then used it to analyse our interaction practices and their relative effectiveness. Findings: The results highlighted two under-examined influences, the use of different modes of communication for different purposes and the need for face-to-face communication to address a particularly challenging aspect of research, negotiating a shared coding scheme to analyse diverse cultural and linguistic qualitative data. Practical implications: The study offers a procedure and concepts that others could use to examine their team communication. Originality/value: The communicative processes that can constrain and facilitate effective cross-national research team collaboration are rarely examined. The results emphasise the need for careful negotiations around language, epistemologies, cultures and goals from the moment collaboration begins in formulating a project, through applying for grant funds, to when the last paper is published – timely in a context in which such work is increasingly expected.