Abstract
This thesis investigates the effectiveness of transdisciplinary (TD) work. In 1972, Jean Piaget introduced the concept of transdisciplinarity, he envisioned it as an organisational principle that allowed us to understand the causal relationships existing between knowledge in disciplines. Erich Jantsch expanded the concept of transdisciplinarity, he emphasised working with a purpose when addressing practical problems.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Although transdisciplinarity has gained attention in recent years, a lack of knowledge regarding the practices underpinning effective transdisciplinary working hampers the implementation of the approach in practice. This thesis examines three key problems that restrict the utilisation and effectiveness of transdisciplinary working in organisations.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">First, in Chapter 2, confusion arising from different and sometimes conflicting interpretations of the term “transdisciplinary” is investigated. Utilising qualitative survey data, we clarify the defining characteristics of transdisciplinary work. Chapter 3 addresses conflicting views in the literature regarding the level and amount (one discipline or more) of expertise required for TD work. By analysing qualitative interview data, we investigate the significance of an individual’s disciplinary expertise, i.e. whether singular or multiple, on effective TD working. Chapter 4 then outlines the dynamics, nuances and interrelationships existing amongst the competencies required for multidisciplinary (MD), interdisciplinary (ID) and transdisciplinary (TD) work that prior research has overlooked. A systematic literature review (SLR) is conducted to identify the individual and team-level competencies needed for effective TD working.</span></p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In summary, this thesis contributes to and expands upon previous knowledge regarding the understanding, evaluation, assessment and analysis of transdisciplinarity, thereby improving insights into how to conduct sufficient transdisciplinary work and how to manage the approach in practice.