Week 4

Multidisciplinary refers to the involvement of different people who are oriented towards different disciplines. There is no true integration of different disciplines, but only the addition of them. Because of this lack of integration, the results are limited because there is not growth or new perspective by each discipline. (Augsberg, 21) Interdisciplinary refers to the integration of two or more disciplines that allows for comprehensive study of an issue due to the various perspectives that a problem can be viewed from. This “new” perspective is not possible from the limited view of a single discipline. (Augsberg, 20-21) Based on these differences, AIPER functions as an interdisciplinary organization because each person demonstrates that ability to utilize different perspectives as individuals, and then by pulling the individuals together, a multitude of viewpoints becomes available to the organization as a cohesive unit. There are individuals who are more familiar with certain disciplines than others, which is not unusual. For example, some individuals are more familiar with legal issues; others are talented writers and communicators and some are very familiar with political science. Even though some people are more knowledgeable in certain disciplines, I have been pleasantly surprised by the range of knowledge that each person possesses and demonstrates.

AIPER, which is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, is somewhat different than the organizations that others class members may be working with. It is an organic, or flexible, organization that is most accurately described as a team-based structure. (Robbins, 172, 178) The authoritative body is comprised of the board of directors which accounts for eight or nine people, including the elected president of the organization. I have met most of them once previously, but the first official board meeting is later this week. Functioning beneath the board of directors are various sub-committees, or teams, that are responsible for fundraising, program planning, community outreach and advocacy, membership and publicity. A member of the board of directors is usually involved with a sub-committee, but I am finding out that the active members of the organization are usually involved in several aspects of the organization at any given time. Members volunteer for different sub-committees as need demands and various members are consulted when needed for their input, even if they are unable to fully commit to a particular group.

AIPER normally functions on an academic calendar, so it is just beginning to build up for the coming year. As much of the organization’s business functions occur via telephone and online as is occurs in person, so a variety of communication skills is necessary. So far, I have been involved in planning activities, publicity, database management, publication planning and with event functions so far, but there is much more to come. The ability to maintain an interdisciplinary perspective is proving to be especially vital to my involvement with this organization.


References:

• Augsberg, T. (2005-2006). Becoming Interdisciplinary: An Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies. 2nd Ed., Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co.
• Robbins, S. and D. DeCenzo. (2004). Fundamentals of Management. 5th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.