This thesis presents a qualitative study of the factors impacting on collaborative projects in a cross-cultural setting, in this case academic projects carried out under the aegis of a large co-operative
programme linking Europe and India. A case study approach is used, focussing on four projects that
developed between European and Indian academic researchers, aimed at transferring knowledge
between the two continents.
The factors contributing to the success or failure of the projects are assessed. The major factors
identified are fourfold:
The alignment of the project with the personal goals of the participants
The social, cultural and institutional contexts in which the projects take place
The role of the coordinators
The interaction and communication activity of participants, including the role of computer
mediated communication.
On the basis of the results of the study, an existing Activity Theory model developed by Cole
(1988; 1998) to account for cross-cultural research is extended to encompass collaboration. The
potential of the model as a management tool for future cross-cultural collaborative projects is
presented.
Date of Award | May 2003 |
---|
Original language | English |
---|
Awarding Institution | |
---|
Collaborative academic projects in a cross-cultural context
Rajapillai, N. V. (Author). May 2003
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis