Benefits of Google technologies for organizations: Perspectives from adaptive structuration theory

Abstract

This article applies adaptive structuration theory (AST) to Google technologies. AST describes the ways in which information technologies change organizations. The theory seeks to identify diverse sources of structuration between technologies, social structures and human interactions in organizations. Google technologies refers to a variety of Google internet-based applications, such as Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Docs and Google Sites. The objective of this article, then, is to understand the ways in which Google has changed organizations and attitudes among virtual teams. For example, a major finding is that, based on four dimensions (i.e., leadership, efficiency, conflict management and atmosphere), Google technologies allows for a more consensus-based rational decision-making process and equal participation by all members rather than domination by a few.