Fostering an Internet-Based Learning Network for Community Health Through Action Research

Research has suggested that computer-supported coordination work (CSCW) systems can change the nature of collaboration among organizations, the patterns of workgroup processes, and the use of information and knowledge in problem solving (DeSanctis et al. 1991; Hutchison et al. 1995; Delisle 1989). Many factors can influence the performance of groups and CSCW systems, including individual characteristics (Massey and Clapper 1995), nature of tasks and technology used (Rice 1992) and such social factors as group influence and processes (Bettenhausen 1991). lso of interest are the effects of facilitation and support on user adaptation of the technology (Dickson 1993; Zigurs, Poole and DeSanctis 1988). One approach that may enhance the acceptance of CSCW systems is through action research. This is where the researchers and users collaborate to diagnose problems, plan and implement appropriate interventions, then reflect upon their experience for theory development, learning and improvement in an iterative fashion (Checkland 1991)

Global Virtual Teams: Towards a Research Framework to Evaluate Effectiveness in using Group Support Systems

Globalization and the growth of multinational corporations, coupled with advanced information technology have brought GVTs (GVT’s) into the spotlight. The authors examine prior research on group technologies, group structures and group decision making to develop a framework for research on GVT’s. Literature is reviewed and the approaches are examined in terms of their strengths and weaknesses in providing criteria for team effectiveness. A framework is presented to suggest paths researchers may take in determining factors including knowledge, skills, and abilities that may improve GVT outcomes

Some Things Are Better Left Unseen: Toward More Effective Communication And Team Performance In Video-Mediated Interactions

By default, most video-mediated communication systems show the user his or her own video feed, yet there is no prior research to show if this helps or hinders communication. In general, virtual teams desire richer media to improve team interaction. However, in this case more information may not be helpful. Drawing on Objective Self Awareness theory in social psychology and theories of cognitive overload from communication, hypotheses are proposed concerning how viewing oneself influences virtual team interaction. It is argued that viewing oneself will lead to lower team performance and other negative outcomes. The hypotheses are tested in a laboratory experiment, manipulating whether participants were able to view their own feeds during video-mediated communication. The results suggest that viewing oneself leads to a reduction in team performance and individual satisfaction. The findings, in terms of several theoretical explanations, and implications for managers and systems designers are discussed in the paper

Dominance Controlled using GSS

The concept of participation can be an influencing factor when deciding to use a GSS as a process to support group problem solving or gathering information. This paper will explore the issue of domination, participation and verbal communication by examining the GSS environment. The case study considered in this paper involved a project review of a Call Center implemented within the Tasmania Police. It was found that the GSS systems provided a level playing field, allowing each participant to contribute prior to any dialogue with other participants and all meaningful dialogue was captured during the automated session. GSS provided an environment in which domination was eliminated and participants were operating with a level playing field

A Model of Group Technology Acceptance: Some Preliminary Findings

While the literature on the technology acceptance model and its extensions have contributed significantly to our understanding of how individuals accept a technology, little is known about how groups accept technology. Since organizations are moving to collective structures such as groups that are provided with technologies for performing tasks, it is critical to understand how they accept and use technology so as to better guide organizations’ investments and implementation decisions. Drawing on theories of group influence, and prior research on group communication media and conflict, the paper proposes an input-process-output (I-P-O) model for conceptualizing group technology acceptance. We also present some preliminary empirical results that appear to support key aspects of the model

The Growth of Scientific Knowledge in MIS: The MIS Paradigm

Has the MIS discipline matured enough to be considered a paradigm? This paper will review the MIS discipline from its inception, arguing that the discipline was created by what Thomas Kuhn would call a revolution leading to a paradigm shift. Using Kuhnian philosophy, the paper will argue that the MIS discipline has now reached a point to be considered a paradigm, according to the standards set forth by Kuhn in The Structure of Scientific Revolutions. The paper will identify several subject areas within the MIS paradigm that demonstrate a line of normal science. Finally, the paper will argue that to continue the growth of scientific knowledge within the MIS paradigm, researchers need to expand beyond what has been called the “IT artifact” and search for new discoveries that will create revolutions within the MIS paradigm

When decision support systems fail: insights for strategic information systems from Formula

Decision support systems (DSS) are sophisticated tools that increasingly take advantage of big data and are used to design and implement individual - and organization - level strategic decisions . Yet, when organizations excessively rely on their potential the outcome may be decision - making failure, particularly when such tools are applied under high pressure and turbulent conditions. Partial understanding and unidimensional interpretation can prevent learning from failure. Building on a practice perspective, we study an iconic case of strategic failure in Formula 1 racing. Our approach, which integrates the decision maker as well as the organizational and material context , identifies three interrelated sources of strategic failure that are worth investigation for decision - makers using DSS and big data: (1) t he situated nature and affordances of decision - making ; (2) t he distributed nature of cognition in decision - making; and (3) the performativity of the DSS. We outline specific research questions and their implications for firm performance and competitive advantage. Finally, we advance an agenda that can help close timely gaps in strategic IS research

Normative Social Influence and Communication Media Perception and Choice: an exploration in an Individualistic and a collectivistic culture

This study is motivated by the need to examine normative social influence on media choice and by the greater concerns regarding the influence of national culture on management practices. This paper proposes that the strength of attraction to the group can influence group members’ similarity in media perception and choice. Further, this paper proposes that the degree of similarity may differ across cultures. One cultural dimension, individualism- collectivism, is used to account for the moderating impact of culture on normative social influence. Australia and People’s Republic of China (PRC) have been selected to represent two distinct cultures. Several propositions for empirical examination are proposed. Finally a research plan is presented