Integrating diverse knowledge through boundary spanning processes – The case of multidisciplinary project teams

• Published in: International journal of project management 2009-04, Vol.27 (3), p.206-215
• Main Author: Ratcheva, Violina
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Boundaries; Information sharing; Integration; Knowledge; Knowledge diversity; Multidisciplinary project teams; Multidisciplinary teams; Project management; Self directed work teams; Studies
• ISSN: 0263-7863; 1873-4634
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijproman.2008.02.008

It has been previously argued that knowledge heterogeneity compiled with geographic separation of team members hinder effective sharing and use of a team’s knowledge. The paper explores how multidisciplinary teams interact to overcome the barriers and take advantage of their ‘built in’ knowledge diversity. The findings of the research suggest that successful integration of multidisciplinary knowledge can be achieved through team’s boundary spanning activities and reaching to multiple professional and social communities. Three project boundaries have been identified, project action boundary, project knowledge boundary and project social boundary, which facilitate team members in articulating diverse knowledge perspectives. The findings suggest a need to reconceptualise the boundaries of multidisciplinary teams and to consider the processes of sharing diverse knowledge in a wider professional and social context.