Group Processes

The previous chapter ended with the conclusion that group norms can be a powerful determinant of acceptance and use of tools and media. This argument is developed further in this chapter. Use of Collaboration technology is part and parcel of social activities and group dynamics. It is assumed to make interaction processes easier and more effective. Its main focus is not to support individual work but to support co-operative work. This chapter is devoted to answering the following questions: What is the essence of co-operative work? What is effective co-operative work and what is the role of collaboration technology in distributed co-operative work? A major part of this chapter is therefore devoted to an analysis of group dynamics and team effectiveness.