Shared semantics and the use of organizational memories for e‐mail communications

Abstract

Examines the use of shared semantics information to link concepts in an organizational memory to e‐mail communications. E‐mail is by far the dominant business application of the Internet, yet the use of e‐mail relies on a number of assumptions regarding the effectiveness of interpersonal communications. One of these assumptions is that of common meaning or shared semantics. Assuming shared semantics in electronic communications can lead to a breakdown in communication, and the very managerial improvements that e‐mail is intended to foster can be negated by the resultant lack of understanding. In this paper how shared semantics are created, maintained, and used to enhance e‐mail communications is discussed. A framework for determining shared semantics based on organizational and personal user profiles is presented. How shared semantics are used by the HyperMail system to help link OM content to e‐mail messages is illustrated.