Frameworks for Group Support Systems

Deciding on which frameworks to use and designing those frameworks are complicated tasks. In this paper we propose using the Task and Technology Interaction (TTI) model as a frame of reference for tackling these problems in the domain of Group Support Systems (GSSs). The TTI provides a set of three high level abstractions for determining fundamental invariants of the nature of technological support embedded in GSSs and an array of distinctions within each of the three abstractions that can be used for designing frameworks for GSS

Towards Collaboration Virtualization Theory

With widespread use of collaboration technology and increasing dispersion of teams due to globalization of companies, more and more collaboration activities are being conducted virtually. However, virtual collaboration seems to work well for some cases, but not for others. This phenomenon motivates research questions: What factors determine the suitability of collaboration virtualization, and how do those factors affect the design of effective collaboration systems? Our literature study yielded little theoretical work in this regard. As such, we believe that research on collaboration virtualization theory (CVT) is critically needed. To this end, we present our preliminary findings on the purpose and composition of collaboration virtualization theory based on the literature. Essentially, our CVT contains three categories of constructs: task, team, and technology characteristics. Our main objective in this short paper is to initiate a new theoretical perspective for research in the field of collaboration technology and management

Degree of Virtuality: A Theoretical Framework of Factors Influencing Technology Use by Virtual Teams

Virtual teams (VTs) are groups in organizations separated by organizational, spatial and/or temporal distance. Innovative information technology infrastructure coupled with the growing internationalization of commercial activity has augmented the need for VTs. But not all VTs are equally virtual. A VT’s environment, characterized by the pressures the team experiences to collaborate, the inherent orientation towards collaborative work and the drive to use technology, together influence the degree of virtuality of a VT. This paper proposes two dimensions of degree of virtuality including scale and sophistication corresponding to quantity and quality of use of VT technology, thus creating a ScaSo matrix. The paper presents propositions describing the influence of various factors in the VT environment on the degree of virtuality. Such factors include information intensity, performance pressures, group culture, leadership orientation, IT orientation and organizational IT maturity. The paper concludes with implications and proposal for further research

Can Information Systems Foster Emotional Intelligence? A Design Theory-Based Approach

Researchers in Information Systems (IS) have conducted extensive research into various kinds of collaboration systems over the last twenty-five years. A parallel stream of inquiry in psychology and management has developed research in organizational Emotional Intelligence, which contributes to the effectiveness of group interactions by increasing cooperation and reducing conflict. Collaboration systems present a special opportunity to introduce soft management functions such as Emotional Intelligence because they are designed as an intelligent channel of interaction between group members. This research used an Information Systems Design Theory approach to guide the integration of Emotional Intelligence functions into collaboration systems. Two artifact systems were constructed based on these designs, and the systems were utilized and compared in a lab exercise that required group interaction. The findings of the research provide validation of the design approach, evaluation of emotional communication effects, and implications for new dimensions of emotion-based subtext and advisory capabilities that enhance Emotional Intelligence

Design and evaluation of a list gathering tool in a web-based collaborative environment

This research focuses on how to build a list structure to combine individual items of information into some sort of structure that converts the individual items of information into a structure of knowledge relative to the problem. Software was designed to provide relationships among and comparisons of the contributions in a list structure, so that individual members of a group process will be able to understand the contributions of information made by the group as a whole. A List Gathering Tool was designed and implemented, which is one component in a Web-based Social Decision Support System (SDSS) Toolkit. Then, a two-by-two factorial design (list tool support vs. no list tool support, and voting tool support vs. no voting tool support, respectively) controlled experiment and several field studies were carried out to assess the effects of this List Gathering Tool in a group problem solving process. Overall, the evaluation results are encouraging. The utilization of the List Gathering Tool or the SDSS Toolkit does tend to improve the ability to discover valid alternatives. An additional set of field trials illustrated how the SDSS Toolkit can be utilized in a collaborative learning environment to improve teaching and students\u27 learning experience. This system will also work for very practical applications in large group settings

Développement et évaluation d'un outil de travail collaboratif en appui à la gestion de projets en mode dispersé

Les équipes dispersées et les outils de travail collaboratif -- Les équipes dispersées -- Cadres conceptuels pour étudier les équipes dispersées -- Les outils de travail collaboratif -- Design de la recherche -- Scénario d'utilisation de prospect -- L'outil de travail collaboratif -- prospect -- Outils de collecte de données -- Activités de support -- Intrants : caractéristiques des équipes -- Processus -- Extrants -- Évaluation de l'outil -- Analyse de relations