Social richness, socio-technical tension and the virtual commissioning of NHS research

Philip A Morgan,Penny Youll,Christine A Mccourt

doi:10.1186/1478-4505-5-8

Philip A Morgan, Penny Youll + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1478-4505-5-8

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Abstract

BackgroundThis paper draws on a recent study that evaluated the process of commissioning NHS funded research using virtual committees. Building on an earlier paper that reported our evaluation, here we focus on the effects of asynchronous computer mediated communication (CMC) when used to support group work.MethodsTo do this the discussion focuses on how CMC affected three key group factors, building relationships, group cohesion and group commitment. The notion of socio-technical tension is elaborated and the paper explores how social richness can act to counter the socially impoverishing and time extending effects of asynchronous CMC.ResultsWe argue that social richness in this context results from the presence of five principal influences. These are: a dynamic range of participant aspirations and personal agendas; participant commitment to and identification with the work and ideals of the group; a rich diversity of social, professional and work-related backgrounds; a website designed to enhance participation and interaction and the mediating effects of an effective chairperson.ConclusionIf virtual work groups are to be used by the NHS in the future, then there is a need for more research into the role of social context and its relationship to the effectiveness of newly formed virtual groups. Equally as important are studies that examine the effects of socio-technical interaction on groups undertaking tasks in the real world of work.

Highlights

This paper draws on a recent study that evaluated the process of commissioning NHS funded research using virtual committees
Our aim here is not to give a detailed account of the study and its findings; this was reported in an earlier issue of this journal [6] but rather to focus in more depth on a number of conceptual issues that were raised during the study about CMC. These include the effects of CMC when used to support group work and in particular how social richness can act to counter the socially impoverishing and time limiting effects of asynchronous computer mediated communication
Based on the findings from this study, we argue that the participants who use it and the social context in which it is used can influence CMC, in terms of its 'richness'

Summary

Introduction

This paper draws on a recent study that evaluated the process of commissioning NHS funded research using virtual committees. The Health of Londoners Programme team hoped that using a bespoke website to enable commissioning group members to meet 'virtually' rather than face-to-face would widen access, and enable a clear, explicit process to underpin decisions that would lead to the production of relevant, well prioritised and high quality research To facilitate evaluation they set up the Programme as a naturalistic experiment, with three theme groups allocated to use the website, over two nineteen-day meeting periods, and three groups allocated to the traditional model of two, three-hour face-to-face meetings. Our aim here is not to give a detailed account of the study and its findings; this was reported in an earlier issue of this journal [6] but rather to focus in more depth on a number of conceptual issues that were raised during the study about CMC These include the effects of CMC when used to support group work and in particular how social richness can act to counter the socially impoverishing and time limiting effects of asynchronous computer mediated communication

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Results

Discussion

Conclusion