Information Requirements of Distributed Workers

Abstract

Most computer systems, especially office automation systems, implicitly assume that the focus of an individual’s work is in a fixed location. Over the last few years, there has emerged an emphasis on information systems which encourage the use of shared information (via networking) and which allow effective cooperation (CSCW). Although both allow the possibility that co-workers may be at distant locations, they embody the assumption that each worker has a fixed, well connected location of work. This assumption is becoming increasingly untenable.