Research Obstacles in the Context of Knowledge-Intensive Work

• In Event: 411 - Section on Science, Knowledge and Technology Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 07. Knowledge Circulation

Abstract

To better understand knowledge-intensive work, I argue that we must have a better sense of the contributions social networks make to problem-solving, which is an important component of the process of innovation and knowledge-intensive work. However, our understanding of the problems that need problem-solving remains incomplete. Typically, research that involves problem-solving either employs it as a mechanism of action or focuses on one specific problem to the exclusion of all others. To give a clear sense of the problems experienced by individuals working in the field of pharmaceutical science, I introduce the concept of a research obstacle. I describe the components of this concept and investigate the empirical relationship between these components using a factor analysis on de-identified data from 375 survey responses from pharmaceutical scientists that details the research obstacles they experienced during ongoing research and development projects. It is shown that ten variables load onto three factors, but some sub-group differences emerge between the types of research obstacles experienced by pharmaceutical scientists working in the industry and those working in academia. Future developments are discussed.

Author

• David Jeremy McBee, University of Arizona