Examining an Academic Research Agriculture Laboratory as a Community of Practice Focused on Developing a New Method

Abstract

In laboratory settings, interacting with peers in the workplace may foster information and knowledge sharing. Community of Practice (CoPs) is a type of informal learning organization in which information is exchanged. The lack of uniform operating definitions of CoPs has resulted in variation of meaning, in which the effectiveness of CoPs has become challenging to evaluate. The area of endeavor of developing new techniques and methods are extremely important to meet the global need to improve agricultural sustainability. For agricultural research laboratories to successfully achieve their stated mission and goals for implementing these projects, collaboration and community must be utilized. The purpose of this qualitative study was to determine the effectiveness of CoPs (influencing factors) within an academic research agricultural laboratory (ARAL) focused on translational science (e.g., research, education) that will be working as a team to develop a new method.

The researcher adopted a hermeneutic-phenomenological study approach to provide a holistic understanding of community perceptions. Qualitative methods were used to collect data from a purposeful sample. Laboratory members (N=8) participated and worked towards the shared goal of developing a new protocol for the CoP evaluation. Participants were observed and interviewed over a four-month period (January-April 2022). Data collection included taking field notes, analytical memos (self-authorship), semi-structured interviews, and a hermeneutic circle. Guided by the theoretical framework of CoP and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), the researcher incorporated the constant comparative method to determine consistencies, patterns, and emerging themes during data analysis. Furthermore, by using heuristic analysis, a hermeneutic circle, open-coding, thematic analysis, and epoché bracketing, the researcher was able to determine how CoP impacted the creation of new knowledge and learning as a team. Four overarching themes emerged as a result of the study: (a) working collaboratively with subcategories of sharing ideas, working together for a larger goal, mentorship, and receiving help from other members or laboratories, (b) working independently with subcategories describing leading oneself, focusing on your responsibilities, having more freedom, and having increased tasks to benefit the laboratory, (c) the work climate with subcategories detailing the physical orientation of the workplace, dealing with change (e.g., adapting to Covid-19, transitioning from previous work and/or academic experiences), working with diversity (e.g. gender, personalities, culture), and having a healthy work environment, and (d) work commitment with subcategories explaining the opportunity costs one makes to be successful, gaining new experiences and learning from mistakes, competency, and putting your all into your work.

This sample was purposively selected because they were an established laboratory in a College of Agriculture and Life Science. This study was context-specific, but multiple data sources and rich descriptions promoted the transferability of these findings to similar contexts.