Mary L. FennellGary D. Sandefur2016-01-142016-03-302016-01-142016-03-301983-06-01Fennell, M. L., & Sandefur, G. D. (1983). Structural Clarity of Interdisciplinary Teams: A Research Note. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 19(2), 193-202. doi: 10.1177/002188638301900216http://hdl.handle.net/11244/24842Previous studies of scientists in formal organizations have stressed the conflict between the scientist's professional needfor autonomy and the organization's needfor an efficient-often bureaucratic-formal structure. In this paper the importance of a clearly articulated formal structure (that need not be bureaucratic) in interdisciplinary research teams is discussed as a necessary condition for the development of adequate communication among team members. The authors argue that without a basic formal structure that is clear to all members, effective interaction and communication will not take place. Findings from a study of one interdisciplinary team are presented as illustrative of the ideas linking clarity offormal team structure, status problems, and interaction and communication within the team.en-USResearch Article10.1177/002188638301900216false