Information exchanges patterns in a computer-supported cooperative work environment

Abstract

Software for supporting cooperative work, or groupware, is an approach for increasing project team productivity by changing the way team members work and communicate with each other. Since groupware use can be influenced by various individual, team, and organizational factors, empirical research is needed to "... study the flow of members' interaction to discover the impact the technology is having on the nature of the group's cognitions, actions, and feelings, and the relationship between these attributes of information exchange and decision outcomes (DeSanctis and Gallupe, 1987, p. 603)." The objective of this study is to examine patterns of computer-supported information exchange in a cooperative work environment. The environment requires colleagues to work together to complete a project within a specified time frame. The patterns of information exchange observed should provide insight into what aspects of groupware are perceived as helpful by users, and provide directions for further research.