Commercialisation activities combining the discoveries of one occupational group, such as scientists, with the commercial skills of managers involve interactions across occupational cultures. This article considers how dissent can be interpreted as a sign of dysfunction or cause for concern. The context of the study is Australian hybrid industry-research organisations composed of academic, government and industry personnel. Semi-structured interviews of a total of 20 scientists, engineers and managers focused on their experiences and perceptions of occupational culture, including styles of debate, and the potential of assumptions and norms to facilitate or obstruct commercialisation. Distinctive patterns of argumentation were identified as typical of commercial and research occupations. In addition, the interviewees confirmed that occupational forms of argumentation could influence the outcomes of commercialisation.