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Accessing Communities Of Knowledge: : Researchers’ Perceptions Of Communication Dynamics In Virtual And Hybrid Conferences

Wiggill, MN LU ; Eksell, Jörgen LU orcid and Månsson, Maria LU orcid (2025) 26th Annual EUPRERA Congress
Abstract
Structured abstract
Purpose
The purpose is to examine how academic researchers perceive the communication dynamics in virtual and hybrid conferences to gain access to communities of knowledge. The paper contributes to the research field of strategic communication.
Methodology
Using a qualitative, interpretive approach, purposive sampling was utilised to recruit a diverse group of researchers from Swedish universities. The data consisted of 20 semi-structured interviews, with 10 males and 10 females representing seven universities.
Findings
Researchers participate in academic conferences to learn, share their knowledge, network and build relationships, thereby fostering collaboration and creating advanced knowledge... (More)
Structured abstract
Purpose
The purpose is to examine how academic researchers perceive the communication dynamics in virtual and hybrid conferences to gain access to communities of knowledge. The paper contributes to the research field of strategic communication.
Methodology
Using a qualitative, interpretive approach, purposive sampling was utilised to recruit a diverse group of researchers from Swedish universities. The data consisted of 20 semi-structured interviews, with 10 males and 10 females representing seven universities.
Findings
Researchers participate in academic conferences to learn, share their knowledge, network and build relationships, thereby fostering collaboration and creating advanced knowledge to expand their field of study; in other words, to become part of a community of knowledge. This is instrumental in establishing a research career, as it reflects how researchers are evaluated based on their level of knowledge and expertise. Furthermore, in-person academic conferences cannot simply be replicated in virtual or hybrid media formats, as researchers have specific expectations when attending these events.
Originality
This study enhances the understanding of academic researchers' perceptions regarding the communication dynamics of conference media and their role as tools for career advancement by focusing on accessing communities of knowledge.
Practical implications
Academic conference organisers must thoughtfully align the needs and expectations of researchers with the selected conference media format(s). It is evident that simply replicating an in-person conference in a virtual setting is not a viable option.
(Less)
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author
; and
organization
publishing date
type
Contribution to conference
publication status
published
subject
keywords
Academic conference, Hybrid Conferences, Virtual conferences, Media richness theory, Social presence theory, Community of knowledge
pages
31 pages
conference name
26th Annual EUPRERA Congress
conference location
Lund, Sweden
conference dates
2025-09-24 - 2025-09-27
project
The meeting industry of the future: business models, interactions and hospitality in the age of digitalisation
language
English
LU publication?
yes
id
706849ba-5862-4620-b955-d12d930ec47a
date added to LUP
2025-10-10 10:11:33
date last changed
2025-10-15 11:07:12
@misc{706849ba-5862-4620-b955-d12d930ec47a,
  abstract     = {{Structured abstract<br/>Purpose<br/>The purpose is to examine how academic researchers perceive the communication dynamics in virtual and hybrid conferences to gain access to communities of knowledge. The paper contributes to the research field of strategic communication.<br/>Methodology<br/>Using a qualitative, interpretive approach, purposive sampling was utilised to recruit a diverse group of researchers from Swedish universities. The data consisted of 20 semi-structured interviews, with 10 males and 10 females representing seven universities. <br/>Findings<br/>Researchers participate in academic conferences to learn, share their knowledge, network and build relationships, thereby fostering collaboration and creating advanced knowledge to expand their field of study; in other words, to become part of a community of knowledge. This is instrumental in establishing a research career, as it reflects how researchers are evaluated based on their level of knowledge and expertise. Furthermore, in-person academic conferences cannot simply be replicated in virtual or hybrid media formats, as researchers have specific expectations when attending these events. <br/>Originality<br/>This study enhances the understanding of academic researchers' perceptions regarding the communication dynamics of conference media and their role as tools for career advancement by focusing on accessing communities of knowledge. <br/>Practical implications<br/>Academic conference organisers must thoughtfully align the needs and expectations of researchers with the selected conference media format(s). It is evident that simply replicating an in-person conference in a virtual setting is not a viable option.<br/>}},
  author       = {{Wiggill, MN and Eksell, Jörgen and Månsson, Maria}},
  keywords     = {{Academic conference; Hybrid Conferences; Virtual conferences; Media richness theory; Social presence theory; Community of knowledge}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  month        = {{09}},
  title        = {{Accessing Communities Of Knowledge: : Researchers’ Perceptions Of Communication Dynamics In Virtual And Hybrid Conferences}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}