A Study of Key Communicators in Research and Development laboratories

Abstract

Although much has been written to document the existence of the key- communicator role, relatively little attention has been directed toward determining the factors that motivate an individual to assume the role and to maintain the behaviors that define the role. The purposes of the study reported here were to identify key communicators within a sample of R &D laboratories; to explore those factors which motivate individuals to assume and maintain the role of key communicators; and to derive implications for further study of the characteristics of key com municators in R &D laboratories. Three U.S. government laboratories engaged in applied research and development participated as research sites in the field study. The factors that motivated those identified as key communicators to assume and maintain the role varied. All of those interviewed reported that the role was intrinsically rewarding, but those in supervisory positions looked upon it as part of theirjob requirements. The personal costs involved in maintaining the role were viewed by the respondents to be insignificant when weighed against the perceived so cial and organizational benefits derived from performance in the role of key communicator.