Invisible College: Doctoral Relationships and Supervision in Indonesian Universities

What is it about?

This study explores the concept of "invisible colleges," informal networks of researchers who collaborate and share knowledge in their fields. Specifically, it looks at how relationships between doctoral students and their supervisors in two Indonesian universities—Universitas Indonesia and Universitas Padjadjaran—help form these networks in the field of communication science. Using data from 278 doctoral dissertations and employing social network analysis, the study examines how interactions between supervisors and students influence the development of invisible colleges. These networks are shaped by factors such as shared research interests, institutional affiliations, and similar methods or academic paradigms. For instance, supervisors often guide multiple students, creating hubs of connections that link various researchers together. The findings show that while some groups focus on specific areas like mass communication, others are more diverse but united by common research approaches. The study also highlights "academic inbreeding," where graduates return to their alma maters as supervisors, further strengthening these networks. Additionally, collaborations across the two universities reveal a shared interest in mass communication as a connecting theme. By shedding light on these invisible colleges, the research emphasizes their role in spreading knowledge, shaping academic communities, and fostering collaboration in Indonesia’s communication science field. This understanding could help improve mentorship practices and encourage broader academic partnerships.

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Photo by Vasily Koloda on Unsplash

Photo by Vasily Koloda on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study uniquely contributes to our understanding of "invisible colleges," focusing on the relationships between doctoral students and supervisors in Indonesia—an underexplored context in global academic research. While much of the existing literature on invisible colleges centers on Western institutions or bibliometric methods, this research takes a novel approach by examining direct interpersonal connections using social network analysis. It offers a fresh perspective by highlighting how institutional affiliations, academic paradigms, and mentorship structures contribute to knowledge-sharing networks. The study is especially timely as Indonesia seeks to strengthen its higher education system and enhance research outputs to compete globally. By analyzing data from two leading universities, it provides critical insights into the dynamics of academic mentorship and collaboration within the country's unique cultural and institutional landscape. It sheds light on challenges like "academic inbreeding," where alumni remain within their alma maters, as well as opportunities to foster interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration. The findings of this research have practical implications for policymakers, educators, and institutions aiming to improve doctoral education. By understanding how invisible colleges form and function, universities can develop more inclusive and effective mentorship programs, promote diverse research networks, and encourage broader academic partnerships. By addressing both a local and global audience, this work bridges gaps in the existing literature, making it a valuable resource for scholars of communication, education, and social networks. Its focus on a rapidly developing academic environment ensures relevance for researchers, practitioners, and institutions worldwide.

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