Twentieth International Conference on Knowledge, Culture, and Change in Organizations

Abstract

The year 2019 marks the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death. His interests as an artist and scientist are so sweeping that the Museo d’Arte e Scienza in Milan contains on display two permanent da Vinci exhibitions: Scienza “Leonardo Citizen of Milan;” and Arte “Treatise on Painting.” Reflecting on his work, one can see art in his science and the science in his art. I offer, all research is both art and science: beauty as aesthetic is revealed in the harmony between the art of explaining one’s research and the science of conducting one’s research. Traditionally, after the research is complete, findings and conclusions are discussed, followed by suggestions for further research or follow-up study, or, in the case of a report to a public agency, recommendations connected to the reason for the study in the first place. I intend to share a more elegant way to present follow-up to the patrons who requested the research and report, especially if those conducting the research are outside the organization or group under study or have little understanding of the researched group. I provide examples of conversations from a recent study, continuing a discussion begun in Vancouver, B.C. wherein I shared lessons learned about the complex process of building a collaborative research culture while exploring the work culture of a police department. Herein, I propose that beauty lies in the conversations rather than the usual recommendations, a process that allows a more nuanced, subtle, delicate, and graceful exit to the research.