CSCW Introduction

CSCW Introduction • Definition CSCW • There does not exist a commonly agreed on definition • One possible definition from C. Ellis, S. Gibbs, G. Rein (MCC) • CSCW looks at how groups work and seeks to discover how technology (especially computers) can help them work • Computer-supported • Cooperative work

CSCW Introduction • Involved Sciences • Social science • Organizational science • Work science / Ergonomics • Anthropology • Psychology (Group dynamics, Interface design), • (Applied) Computer science (Implementation) • Economy • Artificial Intelligence

CSCW Introduction • Definition Groupware • Robert Johansen: • ... a generic term for specialized computer aids that are designed for the use of collaborative work groups. Typically, these groups are small project-oriented teams that have important tasks and tight deadlines. Groupware can involve software, hardware, services, and/or group process support. • C. Ellis, S. Gibbs, G. Rein (MCC) 1st: • Computer-based systems that support groups of people engaged in a common task (or goal) and that provide an interface to a shared environment • C. Ellis, S. Gibbs, G. Rein (MCC) 2nd: • Class of applications, for small groups and for organizations, arising from the merging of computers and large information bases and communications technology. These applications may or may not specially support cooperation. • Software for small or narrowly focused groups, not organization-wide support

CSCW Introduction • Definition Groupware • H. Krasner, J. McInroy, D. WalzGroupware is computer technology that • actively facilitates two or more users working on a common task, possibly simultaneously, using a shared environment and • provides synergistic mechanisms for coordinating each user's actions with respect to the rest of the group and the system. • H. Lewe, H. Krcmar • The notion of Groupware indicates the computer-based support of work groups or project teams. Support may mean support by special software and hardware, by information and communication services as well as support of group work. In contrast to individual data processing with groupware collaboration / cooperation are important issues. • Groupware in a narrow sense is a tool, which can only be used by a group but not by an individual.

CSCW Introduction • Definition Groupware • Of immense importance for (real-time) groupware are the features of communication, collaboration, and coordination. • Communication • Communication model: • Sender – Receiver model A message is delivered from the sender to the receiver via a (predefined) channel • Oral communication • E-mail

CSCW Introduction • Definition Groupware • Coordination • Cooperation needs to be coordinated • Coordination permits to model the dependencies between goals, activities and actors (Mlone & Crowstone) • Coordination, e. g., requires significant control

CSCW Introduction • Definition Groupware • Collaboration • Means to support each other in a given way

CSCW Introduction • Definition Groupware • Atmosphere during work can best be described by so called "C-"Words (Robert Kling): • Cooperation, conflict, conviviality, competition, collaboration, commitment, caution, control, coercion, coordination, combat

same different Time Same place Different time (asynchronous) Different place Different time (asynchronous) same Same place Same time (synchronous) Different place Same time (synchronous) different Place CSCW Introduction Classification of CSCW

CSCW Introduction Classification of CSCW • Communication-oriented synchronous tools: • Support the synchronous exchange of (all kind of) messages between a group of participants • Participants can be at the same or different locations • Same location: • Meeting support systems • Different location:

CSCW Introduction • Meeting support systems • "If any substantial reduction were to be made in the executive working days ..., the most fruitful place to begin would be to cut down on conference time" (Case, 1962). • No agreed on notation yet; possible terms are: • Group Decision Support Systems (GDSS) • ElectronicMeeting Systems (EMS) • Computer Aided Team (CATeam) • GroupSupport System (GSS) (combined name for Group Communication Support Systems and Group Decision Support Systems)

CSCW Introduction • Distinction between CSCW <-> Groupware • Groupware and CSCW mean the same • Groupware is the more restricted notion • It only considers (small) groups but not large organizations • Groupware mainly concentrates on the technology while CSCW also tries to understand and consider human behavior • Groupware implies that some kind of • Software and • Hardware is involved/used

CSCW Introduction • Although the prospects of groupware appear bright, we must take into account a history of expensive and repetitive failure. Applications such as video conferencing and on-line calendars have largely been disappointments.

CSCW Introduction