Now, let me ask for your indulgence for a minute and tell you about my
PhD research. My background is IO psychology. I m studying a community
called business park and I m using Argyris concepts and notions of
theories-in-use and defensive routines.
The community I study is composed of professionals (consultants etc.) who
have their own 'one man' companies. But the community have several
problems. The idea of synergy and co-operation on which the business park
was founded is merely a dream or espoused theory. They do not communicate
enough, they are very cautious with each other, they withdraw from
interaction and the exchange of information is very superficial.
They all want to create a community with flexible co-operation, open
communication and innovation which would serve all their interests. For
example, they would like to market other entrepreneurs to their own
customers and in turn to get information about contacts and customers
those others have. In practice they are totally unable to realise it.
IN MY PHD I WANT TO FIND OUT WHY IT IS SO DIFFICULT TO CREATE A
CO-OPERATIVE BUSINESS COMMUNITY LIKE A BUSINESS PARK COULD BE, GIVEN
CERTAIN FAVOURABLE CIRCUMSTANCES. WHY PEOPLE DO NOT COMMUNICATE, SHARE
INFORMATION AND IDEAS AND BE MORE OPEN?
It is clear that this business park concept faces severe both
psychological and cultural causing blocks in communication and
co-operation. Our cultural rules tell us to mind only our own business,
but what if more communication and cooperation might be more beneficial to
us if only if we would realise the possibilitie.
I WANT TO STUDY THESE OBSTACLES IN DETAIL: HOW DO PEOPLE DESCRIBE THEM,
WHAT KIND OF ATTRIBUTIONS DO THEY GIVE, HOW ARE THESE OBSTACLES
ARTICULATED ETC.
Please see details from our WWW http://toty.joensuu.fi/P10. I can send
you a copy of our latest paper if you can t use the WWW.
I will be conducting interviews again in autumn and I m developing ways of
exploring issues that are not discussed openly. Good questions are very
difficult to find, it s very difficult to even discuss these matter with
respondents. As Argyris says, we are skilled communicators in certain
ways, yet we lack skills to reflect and evaluate our communications.
I WOULD BE INTERESTED IN ANY IDEAS ABOUT QUESTIONS OR ISSUES TO EXPLORE,
ALSO IF THERE ARE ANY REFERENCES THAT WOULD HELP ME UNDERSTAND THESE
ISSUES PLEASE LET ME KNOW. THANKS VERY MUCH FOR ANY ASSISTANCE.
Please reply directly to me. I'll write a summary to other members of
the LO later.
Cordially,
-- Matti Kuittinen FINLAND e-mail: kuittinen@joyl.joensuu.fi