Role and importance of communication in transdisciplinary research management

Abstract

This paper is devoted to studies of communication process peculiarities, role of "negotiators" in transdisciplinary studies and also interaction processes between science and practice on an example of an empirical case. Based on the conducted analysis, a hypothesis has been confirmed that effective realization of the transdisciplinary approach is grounded on effective communication, and factors, worth attention for successful realization of research aims in transdisciplinary projects have been determined: balance of power relations between participants of transdisciplinary studies, choice of mediators' groups, change of initial instructions of scientists, cultural differences and their influence on general organization of processes, choice of communication types and forms. A necessity to construct a communicative strategy of a transdisciplinary project, forming a common field for effective interaction, has been determined; at that there must be taken into account group development stages, key topics of communication and its success indicators. It has been proved, that communication management is a necessary element of transdisciplinary studies organization and conduction. For improving communication quantity and quality, it is necessary for scientists and stakeholders to take equal responsibility and to participate in decision making.