types of information system – communication & collaboration systems 14 th november 2011

Types of Information System – Communication & Collaboration

Systems14th November 2011

Communications and Collaboration Systems

• Type of “information system that enables more effective communications between workers, partners, customers, and suppliers to enhance their ability to collaborate” (Bentley & Whitten)

• Be careful of definitions!


• Communication is extremely important in organisations

• Especially in information based organisations– Individuals often need information to do their

work– Often the information they need is accessible

through particular individuals– In order to access this information, effective

communication may be neccessary


• Collaboration is important in many organisations

• In order to complete certain tasks, individuals may need to engage with each other– Therefore, effective forms of collaboration are

important


• 2 main types of communication:– Face to face communication– Computer-mediated communication

• Benefits and drawbacks with each!

Face to Face

• Often sufficient to get responses and transmit information quickly

• Reduces the amount of time spent waiting for a response

• Does not leave a tangible information trail – good and bad depending on the situation

Computer-Mediated Communication

• Allows for effective and consistent communication between two or more individuals.

• Good for information intensive interactions

• Leaves a tangible information trail – good and bad depending on the situation

Modes of Communication

• Synchronous versus Asynchronous communication

• Synchronous – instantaneous communication back and forth between the interacting parties

• Facebook post or comment – most often there are time delays between the posts and comments

• Asynchronous – delayed communication between interacting parties

Synchronous Communication Mode

• Face to face interaction – individuals communicate and respond directly in the interaction

• Phone communication – similar to face to face

• Some types of IT – instant messaging allows for synchronous communication

Asynchronous Communication Mode• Delayed response and interaction between

involved parties

• Email – individuals may have received an email but may be unaware of it or just decide to respond at a later time

• Instant Messaging – individuals may choose to ignore an instant message and choose not to respond for a period of time

Importance of Communication Mode

• Some individuals actively employ strategies when engaging in communication– For instance, individuals often differ in their

relative control needs (Rennecker & Godwin, 2005)

– Those with higher control needs most often employ these strategies

Importance of Communication Mode• Individuals with high control needs may often

choose to engage in different types of communication depending on the communication event

• Rennecker & Godwin (2005) suggest individuals with high control needs will:1. Engage in asynchronous communication when

responding to a communication2. Engage in synchronous communication when

initiating a communication

Communication and Collaboration with Constant Connectivity

• The vast array of contemporary technology tools that individuals employ lead have distinct ramifications for communication and collaboration

• The range of technology tools employed transcend beyond the traditional tools such as email, telephone, and memos.

• Contemporary tools range from smartphones (Blackberries, iPhones, Androids) to social networks


• There are a range of notable benefits associated with the range of available technologies for communication and collaboration– What are they?

• What are the potential issues or drawbacks with such technologies for communication and collaboration– What are they?


• First order effects– Increased Productivity– Increased access to information– Ability to contact individuals anytime/anywhere


• Second order effects– Boundaries between work and social life

diminished– Constant connection to the office– Expectations created by the use of these

technologies

Contemporary communication and collaboration tools

• Twitter – sometimes known as micro-blogging

• Allows individuals to transmit small amount of information – Small amount of information but often sufficient

• What about taking Twitter inside the walls of the firm??

Micro-blogging – Within the Organisation

• Some recent studies have investigated the use of micro-blogging within the walls of the firm.

• Can you think of any issues that may occur when doing this?– Informal nature of communication– What is appropriate use– How do you get people to contribute

types of information system – communication & collaboration systems 14 th november 2011

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