Communication networks: tools for the efficient management of R&D

There have been many studies which have investigated technical communication flow in R&D laboratories. Despite this effort, it is still not clear how the actions of management affect technical communication and research productivity. In this paper it is shown how the tools developed in communication studies can be used by laboratory management to assess the consequences of their actions in terms of changes to the pattern of technical communication flow. These tools are described in some detail. It is suggested that by their use, management may achieve a better degree of control over technical communication and achieve those conditions which best suit their own particular set of circumstances.