A researcher at the University of Surrey is engaged in a project entitled "The professional identity of engineers and its relationship to knowledge transfer".

She seeks the co-operation of professional engineers to take part in a survey and we have been asked by EC(UK) if we can help.

Modern perspectives on the economy see knowledge transfer as essential to economic prosperity. It is argued that technological innovation is encouraged and best practice disseminated through knowledge transfer. One perspective that is under-researched is the individual scientist or engineer. At a fundamental level, it is their knowledge that is being transferred, in that knowledge is held by them within organisational roles. Irrespective of property rights, professionals have an affective involvement in their work and a sense of ownership and this, we believe, will affect their willingness to disclose, exchange or transfer knowledge. It is this personal perspective and its effect on the actual process that is the focus of the research. The study is looking at the value of knowledge to self-identity, the degree to which self-identity comes from professional association with others and the general attitude towards the utility of knowledge. If such a structure exists, does it influence the willingness of an individual professional to take part in a knowledge transfer process?

The questionnaire has been developed through consultation with engineering professionals and has been piloted. It is delivered on-line and takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. The researcher hopes to access 2000 members of EC(UK) member institutions in order to get a representative sample.

The expected academic outcomes are a factor structure(s) of how professionals relate knowledge to professional association and, secondly, whether these structures can explain differences in the willingness of individuals to transfer knowledge.

Absolute confidentiality is guaranteed and the results will be used solely for academic purposes.

If you can help, please contact Professor Michael Riley, director of postgraduate research studies at the University of Surrey. Email: M.Riley@surrey.ac.uk.

Source

Building Sustainable Design