Scientists behaving badly? Conflicts in multidisciplinary commercialization project teams

Abstract

This chapter addresses the behavioral problems and conflicts observed in multidisciplinary university commercialization teams. We examined 59 commercialization projects at one U.S. university, supplemented by a similar number of projects at other universities in the United States and Europe. We applied well-established ideas about distinctive “thought worlds,” including both cognitive and motivational factors to understand patterns of selective perception and issue prioritization. The resulting analysis allows us to draw tentative conclusions regarding improved management practices aimed at managing the conflicts and improving university commercialization initiatives. We discuss the generalizability of the results.

Citation

Kingon, A.I., Baker, T. and Debo, R. (2010), "Scientists behaving badly? Conflicts in multidisciplinary commercialization project teams", Libecap, G.D., Thursby, M. and Hoskinson, S. (Ed.) Spanning Boundaries and Disciplines: University Technology Commercialization in the Idea Age (Advances in the Study of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Growth, Vol. 21), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 59-86. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1048-4736(2010)0000021006