Culture and communication in academia : the views of faculty members

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess the interrelationships among factors negatively affecting the communication process among faculty members. Specifically, structural equation modelling was used to test the interrelationships among nine factors, namely: lack of motivation, alliances, lack of common goals, scientific discourse, individualism, inadequate exchange of scientific knowledge, administrative issues, introvert characteristics of the department and departmental atmosphere and their impact on poor communication among faculty members. The sample for the study consisted of 480 faculty members including professors, associate professors and assistant professors employed in seven state universities in Turkey. The data were gathered by utilising the Inventory of Communication Analysis in Academic Context (ICAAC) and analysed by using LISREL. Overall, the model explained 74% of the total variance in poor communication, and fit indices suggested a good fit of the data. The results and implications are discussed.