One for all and all for one - towards a framework for collaboration support systems

To reach their goals, companies are on a never-ending search to find new methods for innovation. In order to tackle the complex problems, which cannot be solved by a single person, the implementation of teamwork is assumed to be applicable. With this paper, we propose a framework for Collaboration Support Systems, which aims to enhance team performance. We outline the differences between teams and groups and examine collective processes that on the one hand benefit from additional knowledge and mutual stimulation, but on the other hand are negatively influenced by various cognitive and social factors. With basic principles of collaboration, we seek to tackle the negative effects of team performance and try to further enhance the benefits of collective work. In this context, we analyzed group support systems and unified research and practice of various disciplines (like collaborative problem-solving, collaborative decision making, collaborative creativity and collaborative learning), in order to develop a framework for Collaboration Support Systems. Our paper addresses on-going topics (like anonymity in collaboration systems) and presents design principles for software engineers. Based on a comprehensive literature analysis, we introduce several principles and aspects for collaboration systems that can help to better understand collaboration in teams. However, to thoroughly understand the phenomenon of digital collaboration, further research is needed.

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