Conflicts and cooperation during the genesis of scientific innovations
by Annedore Schulze
Max-Planck-Arbeitsgruppe Wissenschaftskulturen
im Kommunikationsprozeß,
Institut für Philosophie, Universität Potsdam, Germany
Social conflicts and the process of communication have been examined
in groups with different jobs: e.g. teachers, politicians, managers, lawyers,
businessmen etc. However, there virtually is an obvious restraint to examine
social conflicts among scientists. This phenomenon is particularly remarkable
because especially the innovative area of research makes one expect conflict-ridden
arguments per excellence. We assume that scientific innovations have their
origin in new scientific concepts that differ from the previously prevailing
theories or methods. If they are really new, they are judged controversially.
Among other things, this shows in the fact that the scientists concerned
are in escalating conflict situations that, take place on different communication
levels: On the level of direct communication in research groups and the
level of the scientific communities.
Results of the empirical studies of communication and conflicts in german
and american groups in the field of Molecularbiology, Physics and Computerscience:
During the genesis of scientific innovation, the communication is reflected
by conflicts and controversies.
Scientists and engeneers consciously or spontaneously show a certain conflict
management: In the sample of molecularbiologists and physicists the dominant
style predominate, whereas the integrative style of conflict handling
is rarely seen
In the sample of computerscientists the integrative and avoidance style
predominate. They adopt a configurations of styles.The work process of
them apparently demands a higher degree of cooperation.
Conflict ability and reflexivity are called for, in order to increase
the constructivity of the communication in the scientific research.
