Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/58912
Using RFPs to Create Faculty Connections Knowledge creation is the foundation of the research mission of many business schools and often depends on the number and quality of faculty interactions across disciplinary lines. Taking the following steps to create an environment that encourages and nurtures these connections can increase the likelihood of productive knowledge creation by research teams: n First, provide the necessary opportunity and motivation. A Request for Proposal program like the one at Bentley Col- lege is one way to bring the potential of interdisciplinary research to the attention of faculty. n Help faculty find appropriate research partners. For example, Bentley College has created a research database where fac- ulty can find like-minded scholars and create teams for inter- disciplinary projects. n Keep it flexible—and voluntary. Teams work well together only if each member trusts in both the competence and good will of his teammates. Such trust is best formed when team His Phil ML NS NS Math Adm Mkt CIS Tax Acc Fin Econ CIS Acc In the 2000–2001 academic year, before Bentley College's Request for Proposal program to encourage cross-disciplinary publications, there was minimal interaction between business faculty (red dots) and faculty from other departments, including arts and sciences (blue dots). Fin In the 2003–2004 academic year, after the Request for Proposal program was launched, cross collaborations flourished, including not only collaborations within the business school, but also between the business school and the philosophy, mathematics, and computer sciences departments. Law Int BPS Mgt Math Adm Mkt IDCC Econ Tax Int BPS Mgt Law Eng Phil participation is completely voluntary. For instance, although members of RFP-supported teams at Bentley are expected to complete their funded projects, each team is informally and voluntarily formed. Most research is conducted by informal groups where people are free to join or depart at will. In such a flexible environment, where pressure and competition among teammates is low, trust is likely to be high. n Publicize success. Some faculty may fear straying from their own disciplines to work with those from other depart- ments. But as they learn of the recognition and prestige other RFP recipients have received for their work, they will be more encouraged to create proposals of their own. An RFP program can provide faculty with just what's need- ed to increase interdisciplinary research—motivation, time, and funding. With these three factors in place, many business school faculty will take advantage of the opportunity—and boost a school's knowledge creation as a result. His Eng ML BizEd SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2006 33