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@article{DBLP:journals/db/Karsten99,
author = {Helena Karsten},
title = {Collaboration and Collaborative Information Technologies: A Review
of the Evidence},
journal = {DATA BASE},
volume = {30},
number = {2},
year = {1999},
pages = {44-65},
ee = {db/journals/db/Karsten99.html},
bibsource = {DBLP, http://dblp.uni-trier.de}
}
BibTeX
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 there were significant changes towards more collaboration. These changes were due to a conscious and continued effort to bring about new work arrangements and new kinds of Notes support.
A number of issues emerged in the review that could help to understand the relationship of collaborative information technologies and changes in work and organization. The issues included the role of the specific capabilities of the technology; the difference between technology as a product and technology-in-use; the kind of care needed in bringing about desired changes; the emergent, drifting nature of the change process; the role of the technology as a constructive tool in improvising and enacting the changes; and the gradual translations of influences from work practices to organizational practices.
Copyright © 1999 by the ACM, Inc., used by permission. Permission to make digital or hard copies is granted provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or direct commercial advantage, and that copies show this notice on the first page or initial screen of a display along with the full citation.