Inter-location technical communication in a geographically dispersed research organization

A survey was carried out of all graduate research workers in a multi-location agricultural research organization. An analysis was conducted of all possible pairs of research workers. This paper examines the probability that a pair of individuals will communicate if they are at different locations. The probability is very low, and is substantially increased only if both are members of the same department, especially if one is head of the unit. Project bonds have a much weaker effect on communication between major locations. Close similarity in work-focus has a moderate effect.