Human aspects of interdisciplinary research
Purpose ‐ Based upon the argument that the primary characteristic of successful interdisciplinary research lies in human behavior and action (Brun et al., 2007 as cited in Buller, 2008), the purpose of this paper is to offer a view on human aspects of interdisciplinary
research. Findings ‐ The paper presents interdisciplinary research as an overlapping process of collective human interactions, consisting of group composition, conceptualization, integration and contribution. Conceptualization and integration processes are particularly important
for knowledge exchange and creation as individuals learn to translate, articulate, relate and relocate their original disciplinary positions (Buller, 2008). Further, the paper argues that interdisciplinarity can be enhanced through appropriate group mechanisms and practices; and successful
interdisciplinary research also translates into individual (and group) learning and capability development, in addition to knowledge creation. Research limitations/implications ‐ Interdisciplinary research is important for IB scholars to stay relevant in today's complex environment
(Cheng et al., 2009). Since the South Asian region represents extreme contrast and paradoxes, interdisciplinary research could prove particularly valuable in exploring contradictions there (Khilji, 2012). Originality/value ‐ The value of this perspective is in describing
interdisciplinary research as a boundary-spanning experience for researchers in that it facilitates creation of new insights and allows them to transcend their original discipline. However, interdisciplinarity itself is not automatic, but must be collectively managed through appropriate group
mechanisms and practices (Buller, 2008; Haythornthwaite, 2006).
Keywords: Conceptualization; Human aspects; Integration; Interdisciplinarity; Interdisciplinary research; International Business; Process; South Asia
Document Type: Research Article
Publication date: 25 February 2014
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