Adoption patterns of low-structure groupware: experiences with collaborative writing software

Longitudinal use of collaborative writing software was observed to identify patterns of adoption. Use of the software was limited, and patterns of adoption were inconsistent with expectations. In this paper, we propose possible reasons for the observed patterns. The possible reasons fall within the broader arguments of cost-benefit analyses and task-technology fits. However, our analysis suggests that violations of the cost-benefit and task-technology fit criteria may be occurring at multiple levels, e.g. at the global task level and the sub-task level. We argue that effective and appropriate adoption of technology requires the cost-benefit balance and the task-technology fit to be favorable at all levels. Recommendations for improvements in design are made.

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