title: Perceived discontinuities and continuities in transdisciplinary scientific working groups.
abstract: We examine the DataONE (Data Observation Network for Earth) project, a transdisciplinary organization tasked with creating a cyberinfrastructure platform to ensure preservation of and access to environmental science and biological science data. Its objective was a difficult one to achieve, requiring innovative solutions. The DataONE project used a working group structure to organize its members. We use organizational discontinuity theory as our lens to understand the factors associated with success in such projects. Based on quantitative and qualitative data collected from DataONE members, we offer recommendations for the use of working groups in transdisciplinary synthesis. Recommendations include welcome diverse opinions and world views, establish shared communication practices, schedule periodic synchronous face-to-face meetings, and ensure the active participation of bridge builders or knowledge brokers such as librarians who know how to ask questions about disciplines not their own.
authors.affiliation: School of Information Studies, Syracuse University, USA.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Crowston
authors.affiliation: Australian Centre for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network and School of Geography, University of Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Specht
authors.affiliation: Research Library, Los Alamos National Laboratory, US Department of Energy, USA.
authors.forename: Carol
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hoover
authors.affiliation: Jon M Huntsman School of Business, Utah State University, USA.
authors.forename: Katherine M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Chudoba
authors.affiliation: Department of Information and Decision Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA.
authors.forename: Mary Beth
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Watson-Manheim
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004463:Ecology; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D010465:Perception
keywords: Boundaries; Continuities; Discontinuities; Organization theory; Transdisciplinary synthesis; Working groups