Work discussion within a research context: the use of work discussion seminars for doctoral students of interdisciplinary intervention research

ABSTRACT

This article discusses the application of Work Discussion in an Interdisciplinary Doctoral College for Intervention Research at the University of Klagenfurt. Initially, the doctorate programme, which aims to enable intervention research students in their task, is described. The curriculum includes lectures on epistemic theory, qualitative methods and training in social skills in form of group and organization dynamic trainings and follows the Tavistock tradition, in making observations of organizations. Amplifying the Tavistock Model, a Work Discussion Seminar was introduced over the period of three years in order to reflect on their emotional involvement, their goals and their motivation to complete the research, as well as studying unconscious dynamics and connections in each one’s research field. Finally, the paper addresses the question of how far Work Discussion is helpful in maintaining momentum in the research process.

KEYWORDS:

• Work Discussion
• Interdisciplinary doctoral programme
• unconscious dynamics
• research process
• student support

Notes on contributors

Agnes Turner is Associate Professor of Education and Deputy Head of the Institute of Instructional and School Development at the University of Klagenfurt (Austria). Her areas of research are counselling in education, psychoanalytic observational studies, reflective practice and professionalism within the educational field. She publishes in the field of Observational Studies in the context of Educational Professionalism and Personal Development. She also has a private practice in supervision and coaching and is member of the ÖVS (Austrian Association for Supervision and Coaching) and President of ANSE (Association of National Organizations for Supervision in Europe).

Ina Paul-Horn is Associate Professor in the Faculty of interdisciplinary Research and Continuing Education at the University of Klagenfurt (Austria). She was Head of the Interdisciplinary Doctoral College for Intervention Research and she is a full member at Austrian Society for Group Dynamics and Organizational Consulting (ÖGGO). Her areas of research are Political Philosophy, Emotions, Metaphors. She recently lectured on Political Philosophy at the University of Turin, Italy.