Radboud Reflects has been asked by Radboud University's Advisory Committee on Partnerships to come up with a proposal on how to facilitate the assessment of individual partnerships for scientists. This has resulted in two concrete possibilities:
1. Moral deliberation/Dilemma discussion
Guided ethical discussion between colleagues
Moral deliberation or dilemma discussion is a guided discussion between colleagues about an ethical issue based on a specific case presented by a case holder. A structured approach is used to examine which norms and values play a role for all participants, and based on this, the case holder adopts a course of action. The moral deliberation therefore usually leads to a decision.
The advantages of this form of dialogue are that the case holder, together with colleagues, can think in a structured way about what is important in the consideration of whether or not to cooperate. In addition, the case holder can learn from the perspectives of the discussion partners and enrich their own framework for consideration. Finally, colleagues are included in the case holder's decision-making framework, which can lead to a greater understanding of their decision.
Radboud Reflects has trained discussion leaders in-house who help shape and guide these discussions. This is done at the request of a stakeholder or case holder.
2. Intervision discussions
Private guided discussions between employees from different departments
In order to refine and test ideas about entering into or continuing collaborations, so-called intervision discussions can also be offered. These are discussions between employees from different departments who are struggling with the same dilemma: whether or not to enter into or continue a collaboration.
The basic idea is that you engage in conversation with a group of equivalent professionals. The conversation is based on practical experience rather than authority. You learn from how others have dealt with the same dilemma. You help each other to sharpen your considerations. And you receive input to clarify and justify your own considerations to colleagues.
If necessary, several discussions can be held with the same group of participants.
Radboud Reflects can assist in organising these discussions and supervise them. This can be done at the request of several employees or by offering intervision discussions at fixed times.
- N.B. All types of discussions are confidential. In addition, they can be brought to the attention of academic staff via deans and department heads.