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Information technology for personal, impersonal, and automated e-coordination modes

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Knowledge Processes in Globally Distributed Contexts

Part of the book series: Technology, Work and Globalization ((TWG))

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Abstract

Coordination can be defined as the process of achieving concerted action (Thompson, 1967) in situations of task dependence (Crowston, 1997). Electronic coordination (further referred to as e-coordination) refers to the situations when a coordination process relies on electronic media and Information Technology (IT). Electronic media and IT play an indispensable role in advanced societies as (partial) substitutes for human coordination practices and thereby they enable the global knowledge-based workplace (Majchrzak et al., 2000; Argyres, 1999; Ciborra et al., 1996b). Knowledge workers depend on advanced technologies for coordinating work processes with colleagues, clients, and vendors. Advanced technologies for collaboration (e.g. web-based project management software and Groupware), coordination (e.g. CATIA product development software), simulation, and visualization (collaborative CAD/CAM software products) reinforce multiple categories of knowledge processes (see Chapter 4). However, these new technologies — designed and used for coordination processes — usually result in a complex mixture of positive and negative impacts on individual lives, organizations, and society (Zuboff, 1988).

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Authors
  1. Paul C. van Fenema
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  2. Julia Kotlarsky
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Information Systems and Management Group, Warwick Business School, UK

    Julia Kotlarsky (Associate Professor of Information Systems) (Associate Professor of Information Systems)

  2. Rotterdam School of Management Erasmus, The Netherlands

    Ilan Oshri (Associate Professor of Strategic Management) (Associate Professor of Strategic Management)

  3. Netherlands Defence Academy, The Netherlands

    Paul C. van Fenema (Associate Professor) (Associate Professor)

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© 2008 Paul C. van Fenema and Julia Kotlarsky

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van Fenema, P.C., Kotlarsky, J. (2008). Information technology for personal, impersonal, and automated e-coordination modes. In: Kotlarsky, J., Oshri, I., van Fenema, P.C. (eds) Knowledge Processes in Globally Distributed Contexts. Technology, Work and Globalization. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1057/9780230582408_9

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