Exploring in-person and technologically-mediated communication within international agricultural research teams

Australia provides considerable aid to fund agricultural research in developing countries. This research is delivered by teams of scientists based in Australia and partner countries. Mr Ward analysed interviews with researchers in Australia and Lao PDR to develop the first-ever model to identify linguistic, individual, cultural, economic and political barriers and opportunities for communication between these researchers. Using this model, he developed an assessment tool to evaluate computer programs currently used by research teams. Mr Ward found teams preferred face-to-face communication and email to address the most important communication barrier, language and desire for mutual trust. In addition, he found computer programs differed markedly in addressing the needs of these teams used for communication. These have economic implications for international aid programs.