Attraction, Autonomy, and Reciprocity in the Scientist-Supervisor Relationship

This paper explores the basis of work integration between the scientist and his supervisor in an organization devoted to basic research.1 The analysis uses a three-dimensional model of role integration: 1) mutual attractiveness, why they get together; 2) reciprocity; and 3) autonomy, how they stabilize working together. The recognized competence in research of both parties is shown to be a source of mutual attraction, reciprocity in work and maintenance of autonomy. Barney G. Glaser is a research sociologist, University of California Medical Center, San Francisco.