Perspective integration capability: A valid and reliable measurement instrument for assessing knowledge integration readiness in interdisciplinary collaborations.

Abstract

Background: Work in science, medicine, and engineering increasingly relies on collaborations among diverse experts to solve complex problems. Despite the importance of interprofessional training and practice to enhance collaboration and knowledge integration, there is a lack of a conceptually meaningful, valid, and reliable measure of individual capacity for interdisciplinary knowledge integration. This study contributes a conceptual framework and empirical tool to facilitate both research and practice of interdisciplinary collaborations.

Methods: We conduct a three-phase, five-study investigation to develop and validate a measure of individual perspective integration capability (PIC), which assesses individual willingness and ability to integrate knowledge with others during collaborative work. Phase 1 includes item generation and reduction in three studies using different samples of respondents. Phase 2 demonstrates convergent and discriminant validity with conceptually related and unrelated constructs, using a separate sample of respondents. Phase 3 tests criterion-related validity and mediation by examining the multilevel relationships between PIC and key antecedents and outcomes, using data from a unique sample of research scientists in interdisciplinary medical research teams.

Results: Across the three phases of our study, the results demonstrate support for the PIC instrument's factor structure, reliability, and validity. We also demonstrated that the PIC construct has important implications for individuals engaged in interdisciplinary collaborations.

Conclusions: Having a conceptually meaningful, valid, reliable, and easily administered survey instrument will facilitate further study of interdisciplinary collaboration, and the development and evaluation of integration efforts of teams engaged in convergent and translational initiatives.