Using communicative action theory to analyse relationships between supervisors and PhD students in a technical university in Sweden

Michael Christie; Ramon Jurado Garrote

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Using communicative action theory to analyse relationships between supervisors and PhD students in a technical university in Sweden

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Using communicative action theory to analyse relationships between supervisors and PhD students in a technical university in Sweden

Michael Christie and Ramon Jurado Garrote

Hogre Utbildning [Higher Education], Vol.3(3), pp.187-197

2013

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Abstract

Curriculum and Pedagogy

supervision of research education

communicative action theory

critical incident technique

transformative learning

power conflict and resolution

rational dialogue

In this paper the authors use the theory of communicative action (Habermas, 1984-6) to analyse problematic relationships that can occur between supervisors and PhD students, between co-supervisors and between the students themselves. In a situation where power is distributed unequally, instrumental and strategic action on the part of either party can complicate and disturb efficacious relationships. We use Flanagan's critical incident technique (Flanagan, 1954) to analyse twenty-five incidents that are told from a supervisor perspective and twentyfive from a PhD student perspective. The analysis reveals that a large proportion of incidents involved power struggles. Other categories include lack of professional or emotional support and poor communication. Rational dialogue based on Habermasian principles might have avoided many of these problems. The analysis concludes with some practical suggestions as to how the use of communicative action theory and critical incident technique can improve supervision, supervision training and the PhD process.

Details

Title: Using communicative action theory to analyse relationships between supervisors and PhD students in a technical university in Sweden
Authors: Michael Christie (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Ramon Jurado Garrote (Author) - Stockholm University, Sweden
Publication details: Hogre Utbildning [Higher Education], Vol.3(3), pp.187-197
Publisher: Swednet
Date published: 2013
ISSN: 2000-7558
Organisation Unit: School of Education - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99448973802621
Output Type: Journal article

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