S.O.C.I.A.L. - Emergent Enterprise Social Networking Use Cases: A Multi Case Study Comparison

Enterprise Social Networking (ESN) is a relatively new phenomenon. It refers to the application of Internet platforms for relationship building and short message exchanges in the context of workplace communication. While a number of case studies have provided evidence of its usefulness, a more comprehensive and structured overview of ESN is needed. In this study we carry out a cross-case comparison of five indepth ESN case studies that have elicited use practices using genre analysis. A comparison of these case results allows us to derive a comprehensive catalogue of ESN use cases that demonstrates the versatility of ESN. Our study has two main contributions. Firstly, we present a use case catalogue in a structured and accessible form, which we term the S.O.C.I.A.L. framework. The framework provides an overview of ESN that is useful for decision-makers who want to guide the rollout and adoption in their organisation. Secondly, in part to caution against the use of the framework as a blueprint or recipe, we demonstrate the contextual nature of ESN by way of different contextual profiles of ESN in teams, projects and large enterprises. Our study provides a stepping-stone for future ESN research, since the S.O.C.I.A.L. framework provides a more refined understanding of ESN as both a broad and contextual phenomenon

Corporate Social Networking Sites – Modes of Use and Appropriation through Co-Evolution

In this paper we investigate the phenomenon of online social networking within organisations. While Internet Social Networking (ISN) as a public phenomenon has drawn considerable interest from the academic community, little knowledge exists about the potentials and modes of use of social networking sites (SNS) that emerge within organisations. We draw on three cases of SNS implementation and use in large, knowledge-intensive organisations. A cross-case analysis reveals a set of three modes of use of corporate SNS, which we discuss in light of existing literature on SNS use in the public sphere. More importantly, we reason on the open and flexible nature of these technologies and discuss implications for organisational implementation. Striking differences in the frequency of use and perceived role of SNS across the cases lead us to reason about the importance and ways of embedding open technologies with existing ICT-enabled work practices in the organisation by way of co- evolution of systems and their use

Conceptualizing Visibility in Hybrid Work

Hybrid work experienced a surge due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing with it reduced visibility of cues used to facilitate effective teamwork and work coordination. While previous research suggests that virtual environments can help re-establish visibility, there is no comprehensive picture of the role of visibility in hybrid work. Based on a systematic search and hermeneutic review of 52 selected papers, we propose a framework that encompasses six dimensions of visibility: location, observer-observee relationship, mode of observation, awareness of observee, type of interaction, and work scenario. We further identify five groups of IT-supported practices aiming to (re-)establish visibility. The suggested framework and the identified practices contribute to a more nuanced understanding of (the role of) visibility in hybrid work environments. Based on our findings, we conceptualize visibility as a double-edged sword and as a continuum. Finally, we discuss implications for theory and practice and suggest avenues for future research

Application of Lifetime Electronic Health Records: Are we ready yet?

Integrated care concepts can help to diminish demographic challenges. Therefore, the use of eHealth solutions is recognised as an efficient approach. Lifetime electronic health records (LEHRs) are expected to increase continuity, effectiveness, efficiency and thus quality of the care process. With respect to these benefits, an overarching implementation of LEHRs is desirable but non-existent. Hence, the aim of the article is to analyse the current LEHR implementation readiness of EU member states to derive implications for further LEHR research and development. Therefore, a case study on Denmark, Germany and Italy was conducted. The analysis shows that all countries fulfil the technical requirements but Denmark has great experiences and willingness to implement advanced eHealth measures like LEHRs. First Italian pilot projects are quite promising as well. The article paves the way for LEHR implementation and there with for integrated care

Enterprise Microblogging: Procrastination or productive use?

There are growing fears amongst corporate managers that the introduction of Social Media and related technologies such as microblogging platforms will lead to large-scale time-wasting with negative impacts on corporate productivity. Our research analyses the communication practices of a corporate team that has embraced an Enterprise Microblogging platform and embedded its use into their day-to-day activities. We conduct a genre analysis of the team’s microblogs and compare our results with a recent study of public microblogging on the Twitter platform. By analyzing genre repertoires we have shown that enterprise microblogging can be significantly different to the public equivalent, and that in the corporate context, microblogging platforms can be used in productive ways