Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

The purpose of this exercise is to study if a closer cooperation between the two planning
groups in Reinertsen AS is desirable. The basis is that the groups have partially overlapping
competence and the leaders wish them to use their joint expertise even better.
We decided to look at cultural differences between the groups and identify any challenges that
must be overcome to achieve a closer, more interdisciplinary collaboration.

The study is based on qualitative methodology in which we conducted group interviews with
employees in the two planning groups and single interviews with leaders who are involved in
the groups. The interviews were transcribed and categorized and formed the basis for our
analysis. In addition, we have selected a set of relevant theories that we need when we discuss
our findings. We have studied theories about culture, teams, feedback, meeting culture,
communication and interdisciplinary.

In the survey it became clear that everyone wants a closer cooperation and that they want to
be better acquainted with each other on a personal and professional level. We see that there
are cultural differences that create challenges to achieve this. The supervisors have an
important role to achieve closer cooperation, but there is much to gain by increased level of
interdisciplinary work.