Advancing the social sciences through the interdisciplinary enterprise, by Marilyn Stember (1991) The social science journal. Published by Elsevier Inc. Vol 28 (1) P. 1-14
After already achknowledgeing the need for interdisciplinary work within social sciences, this literature aims to inform people on how to enhance interdisciplinary enterprise whilst acknowledging the opportunities and challenges it faces. It discusses the strategies required for successful collaborative work.
Before we begin analysis, social science is the scientific study of society and human relationships. This links in with arts based research which uses qualitative, social scientific research to draw upon
"inspirations, concepts, processes and representational forms from the arts." (Knowles & Cole 2008)
"While serving very useful purposes, academic disciplines create barriers that sometimes run counter to the very intellectual purposes of those who created the university."
"This landscape in all Its beauty, sometimes gentle, sometimes terrible, cannot be seen fully by any one of the occupants of the room. Indeed, it cannot be known fully by a whole generation of men [and women]. Explorers of each generation travel into its unknown recesses and, with luck, return to share their discoveries with us. So the life of the new room would go on-thought, reflection, contemplation -as the explorers bring back their discoveries to share with the room’s occupants. This landscape that we gaze on and try to understand is an epic portion of the human experience."
Blackberry Winter. Mead, M (1972)
Vincent Van Gough (1888) 'Starry night over the rhone'.
Stember concludes that the above "calls attention to the need for interdisciplinary efforts to facilitate the integration and synthesis of knowledge toward a more complete understanding of the whole."
In a theatrical setting, this suggests that all creative elements and departments must work with together in order to put on a successful production.
It also supports one of my inquiry aims in the sense that integration and interaction with others should help me to understand and appreciate the rest of the company. This in regards to their skills and imperatives.
Arguments supporting interdisciplinary enterprise
Intellectual argument: specialisation has allowed for tremendous knowledge gain but the need for context forces boundary changes. Interdisciplinary work facilitates different levels of analysis toward problems.
Practical argument: problems of the world aren't organised into academic disciplines- overlap exists. Different perspectives and varying knowledge is required to solve problems and provide solutions to pressing problems such as human health.
Pedagogical argument: education is much more supportive of interdisciplinary work. Many courses now require you to study core subjects and then select modules from other areas.
History
"The contemporary view is that disciplines exist in an open-minded confederation and that knowledge can be understood and advanced through interdisciplinary work. One tendency has been to regroup disciplines according to fields of study. Engineering, for instance, involves mathematics, physics, and business administration among others, while nursing requires a different but equally diverse configuration including biology, chemistry, sociology, and psychology. Another tendency has been to create new disciplines (e.g. biochemistry) that cross traditional disciplinary lines."
We can relate the above to modern day training in musical theatre. It is quite common for people to study a 'diploma in musical theatre' rather than 'dance' or 'acting'. Irregardless, performers will generally have lessons in all three disciplines in order to increase their employability and become a 'triple threat'. I would argue that in today's musical theatre scene, this doesn't necessarily qualify as interdisciplinary because you are expected to be proficient in all 3 skills as a member of the performing company. I'm interested in the interdisciplinary skills across departments in the whole company.
"Although interdisciplinary research and educational programs were launched in limited ways after World War II, the interdisciplinary experience in universities is only a few decades old."
I feel that the arts may be one of the most advanced and developed in regards to interdisciplinary skills - this because of its collaborative nature. Therefore I feel my working environment is a perfect place to conduct this inquiry in order to explore interdisciplinary as a concept, a concept that could be beneficial for other professions and organisations.
Definitions of interdisciplinary
"In the literature the term interdisciplinary is used in both broad and narrow senses. In the broad sense interdisciplinary literally means between disciplines; suggesting the basic elements of at least two collaborators, at least two disciplines, and a commitment to work together in some fashion in some domain. In the narrow sense, interdisciplinary describes a specific type of non disciplinary effort that is distinguishable from other non disciplinary approaches to research and education such as cross disciplinary or multidisciplinary. To confuse matters further, multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary - are often used interchangeably, usually in the broad sense."
- Unity of intellectual frameworks beyond disciplinary perspectives
- Integration of the contributions from several disciplines to a problem is required
- Several disciplines who each provide a different perspective on an problem
- A viewing of one discipline from the perspective of another
- Within disciplinary work
For my inquiry, I shall be looking at interdisciplinary in the narrow sense so that it is more focussed. I feel it will also help the third part of my question in regards to moving forward and developing as a practitioner. This is because I believe I already have an element of cross disciplinary knowledge and multidisciplinary input in our production in my current role as an ensemble dancer.
A key concept in regards to interdisciplinary is '
productivity'. The use of interdisciplinary skills allows us to achieve more in the work place and therefore be more successful collectively. It also helps to overcome creative imperatives like the lack of time or space.
"In interdisciplinary efforts, participants must have an eye toward the holistic complex of interrelationships and take into account the contributions of others in making their own contributions. Interdisciplinary, then, is a complex endeavor that seeks to explicate relationships, processes, values, and context using the diversity and unity possible only through collaborative approaches."
The above quote supports another purpose behind my inquiry I.e. To expand on my professional networks. It reiterates that the obtainment of interdisciplinary skills will impact on relationships. My inquiry aims to discover these skills through integration and creative a positive impact on relationships. It is from these that my networks will expand and help me to move forward into other productions - this through increased contacts, reputation and references.
Strategies for interdisciplinary work
Selecting appropriate members and leaders
What do we look for?
- Commitment to a common interest
- Security and recognized competence in at least one discipline
- A broad perspective I.e. A taste for adventure into the unknown and flexibility
- Personal competencies that allow people to function as a team: the ability to work toward outcomes, relate to feelings and needs of others, convey interest and respect, schedule time, handle multiple activities, meet deadlines, act mature, to be open and act responsibly when dealing with people and situations. The ability to secure information, compare data, identify issues, and be creative in a group setting.
"Successful interdisciplinary teams require a common focus for their work. This clear, recognisable idea may be advanced by a single individual who is able to generate sufficient enthusiasm in others."
"Leadership in research projects or educational programs is needed to synchronize the efforts of the individual members or teams. Such a director or coordinator must have the responsibility and authority to oversee the activities." Leadership roles are required to provide adequate "supervision, monitoring, and integration."
Teams often are composed of disciplines of unequal status and a mixture of senior and junior faculty members. This can cause conflict and power imbalance which is why a leader is required to establish ground rules and oversee interdisciplinary work. In a theatrical environment, this would be the 'company manager' which is whom i shall be seeking consent for the inquiry from.
Stember talks about motives for interdisciplinary work such as interest, free time, personal prestige and establishing reputation. It made me think again about my own motives for this inquiry - increasing professional reputation by demonstrating my interest and enthusiasm, as a result of integration and interaction.
Establishing ground rules
These are required to create a rewarding atmosphere and prevent bickering.
Stember talks about: Procedure, Responsibilities, Timetables, Approach
It important in a musical theatre setting for a company manager to enforce ground rules already established in the contract and equity union guidelines. A good example of time tabling for the entire company is the pre show calls delivered by the deputy stage manager. It is stated when we have 30 minutes, 15 minutes and then 5 minutes prior to the commencement of the show. This so all departments can manage their time efficiently in regards to the responsibilities/procedures needed to be carried out.
Explicating and Resolving Epistemological and Methodological Differences
"Failing to understand, appreciate, or agree with another perspective results in participants retreating to a common level shared by all. But such a level cannot make use of the disciplinary insights and it compromises the professional integrity of the members."
This suggests that the increased understanding and appreciation of others allows for greater perspective. I believe this is integral for a production so we can help prioritise the varying creative elements at different points in the show. For example: as a dancer performing high kicks, it is essential for me to stretch backstage before a big number where there isn't really the room to do so. The assistant stage manager is understanding and appreciative of what I need to warm up so will wait to fulfill his next responsibility so that I can use the wing space. This means that I don't have to compromise my movements on stage and can sustain my own integrity when delivering the routine.
Infrastructural support
"Joseph Kockelman noted that the greatest problem in interdisciplinary ventures is still the development of coordination and cooperation among people who can pull together, instead of being pulled asunder by disciplines."
Therefore, the stress on relationships in my inquiry is paramount and something I wish to explore further.
Acknowledgements
Knowles & Cole, 2008. "Handbook of the arts in qualitative research: Perspectives, methodologies, examples and issues." Sage Publications Inc.
Kockelmans, J. “Why interdisciplinarity,” p 136
Mead, M. 1972. Blackberry Winter: My earlier Years. William Morrow Incorporated
