Collaboration and collaborative information technologies

Collaborative information technologies have been claimed to enhance collaboration in organizations, under certain conditions. This claim was found problematic in several respects, also in the light of the results of 18 case studies of Lotus Notes use, taken from the literature. The cases may be split into three groups: (1) exploratory, conservative, or cautious use; (2) planned and expanding use; and (3) extensive and engaged use of Notes. In the first group, no changes in work arrangements due to Notes use could be found. In the second group, the planned Notes applications supported the established work arrangements, both collaborative and hierarchical. Only in the third group were there s…

Converging paths to Notes

The nature of the information systems needed in a networked firm is not well known: nor is the process leading to particular solutions. Describes a small computer‐consulting company which works as a network of independent consultants, and analyses the slow and circuitous path from recognizing its IS/IT needs to its commitment to a particular solution as seven steps; using ideas of structuration theory as a focus. During the selection process, participants formed new interpretations of the firm, of technology, and of the appropriate process towards a feasible solution. New resources – both material and symbolic – were acquired to enable the search. Existing “norms” provided boundaries for th…

Liminaalitilan käsite työn muutosten jäsentäjänä

Liminaalitila on antropologiassa määritelty välitilaksi, kynnyksellä olemiseksi. Liminaalisuus on nykypäivän työelämälle ominainen piirre, joka voi näyttäytyä kaaoksena, mutta myös uutta luovana muutosvaiheena.

The long and winding road

Verbal and visual representations in task redesign: how different viewpoints enter into information systems design discussions

We explore an important phase of information systems design (ISD), namely task redesign, and especially how different viewpoints enter into the dis- cussions. We study how one particular visual representation, a process diagram, is interpreted and how alternative, even competing, representations are produced verbally. To tie the visual and verbal representations and the representational prac- tices to wider social practices, we develop and use the Extended Three-dimen- sional Model of discourse. Visual representations emerged as focal in bringing in the different viewpoints and as reference points for discussions. Our model pro- vided a focused and powerful means to unveil for the outside r…

Constructing Interdependencies with Collaborative Information Technology

Interdependence construction is the gradual formation of mutual relationships between people. In this study, the area is narrowed to interdependencies at work, in long term projects or groups. Viewing interdependence relationships dynamically, as social practices, it is possible to appreciate the complex and situated nature of this formation. The main goal of the study is to develop a theoretical account of the dynamics of the intertwined processes of interdependence construction and collaborative technology appropriation and use. The main dimensions of this account are: (1) how interdependence is constructed and established as a social process, (2) how information and communication are inv…

Balancing Flexibility and Coherence: Information Exchange in a Paper Machinery Project

The problem of balancing coherence and flexibility in collaborative information system design is approached here with two pairs of concepts. Boundary objects can support communication for perspective taking between communities of practice. Conscripting devices can support communication for perspective making within a community of practice. These theoretical lenses are used to study the uses of the technical specification in paper machine projects. Our study showed that as a boundary object it provided enough flexibility to allow negotiations, and sufficient local structure, for carrying out work in both communities of practice, the customer and the manufacturer. As a conscription device in …