Context considerations for research partnerships

Knowledge Translation (KT) is a social process grounded in strong relationships. To be successful in KT, and ultimately in creating impact, we need to explore and implement the knowledge that comes from our partners through knowledge of lived experiences, organisations, service delivery and so on, to understand and appreciate the context.

Furthermore, researchers need to develop an understanding of how to operate across different contexts and of what is culturally appropriate in business and non-academic environments. It is one thing to communicate with our partners, but to develop a common understanding, trust and deliver relevance, we must speak the right language.

I know that researchers will not want to hear this, and yes, it will seem like another thing that “we” have to do, but life outside of the ivory tower is different. The language, expectations, timing, deliverables, and competing information sources differ, as do the consequences of so-called “failure”. In research, failure is not finding what you are looking for; rather, a savvy researcher can still develop an argument that advances understanding and generates new knowledge that furthers the field of science. In the business world, failure to deliver products or services can result in reductions in income, job losses, and other adverse effects. In business, outstanding customer service is expected, and how you interact with customers (consumers of goods and services) is important. If we consider customer service in a research context, how are you treating your stakeholders, are you providing outstanding customer service, ensuring their needs are met, following up to make sure everything is working out? Do you even understand their needs and the context in which they operate?

There are many benefits to partnering with non-academic organisations and business partners, for example:

Policy Influence – the partnership may assist in the research informing policy development.

Research capacity building – Organisations and policy makers may have opportunities to learn more about the research process.

Personal and professional impact – There could be an impact for researchers as they build relationships with colleagues and receive mentoring, which creates opportunities to learn the context and business environment and possible job opportunities for the future.

However, partnerships often do not work out, and organisations are dissatisfied with the outcome, leading them to be reluctant to be approached again. Examining this further, it seems that this may stem from contextual and cultural differences between industry and research organisations. What then are these differences, and what can you do as a researcher to adapt to a business culture?

Top considerations in adapting:

Showing up – Being present, not just in body, but in mind, enthusiasm and participation.

Business etiquette – Everything from building relationships with people in the organisation, dressing appropriately for the role, and showing up on time. Unfortunately, the academic world is pretty relaxed on the latter of these two, with people working from home without needing to call in to tell the supervisor, and of course, the luxury of dressing casually most, if not all, of the time.

Understanding behaviour – Consider the people you work with or partner with, how do they like to communicate? Consider your communication style and how it aligns with theirs. Do they want big-picture thinking? Do they prefer short, sharp meetings? Do they develop trust easily? Do they like small talk? Online personality tests, such as the DISC, can help you understand your own preferences and, in turn, those of others. You can check out our blog on how to better understand someone’s style.

Adapt to the culture – Don’t resist, find a mentor to help you along, become excellent at bridging the gap and understanding the contexts of both worlds.

Learn – Be open to learning how to operate in the new environment, what are the expectations of you. Honesty and authenticity will be your best friends here. Understand and acknowledge what you don’t know.

Are you working with one foot in each camp, research and industry? How is it working out, what could you do better, how can you gain more respect? Try the above ideas and let me know how you go.