Research on Computer Supported Cooperative Work

This chapter considers a conceptual perspective that provides a framework for describing the human use of CSCW systems and discusses some general research issues for the future.

Abstract

Computer supported cooperative work (CSCW) is the name of the research area that studies the use of computing and communication technologies to support group and organizational activity. CSCW as a field has emerged more recently than human-computer interaction and therefore, in many ways, is less mature. The field of CSCW has mostly been at the stage of building point systems. Proponents of user-centered design argue that an understanding of the work situation, the group members, and the task specifics is critical for designing new systems. This is difficult when the antecedent knowledge is missing. One reason for this state of affairs is that the prerequisite understanding of groups and organizations is itself only just emerging. As a result, a considerable amount of research that appears under the rubric of CSCW is basic research about the nature of groups, organizations, and work. But, trial and error from creative system builders is too slow a discovery process. This chapter reviews CSCW research. The chapter begins by describing some of the methods and issues involved in CSCW research. It considers a conceptual perspective that provides a framework for describing the human use of CSCW systems. It also presents a brief survey of recent research results. Finally, the chapter discusses some general research issues for the future.