CSCW in the Office
Groupware is linked to the needs of small business teams, which can be defined as small, cross-organizational,
time driven, task focused, cohesive units. Teams are usually composed of 5 to 10 people, many of whom may
work in different departments or even separate cities. Teams always have deadlines to meet and each member
usually has specific tasks to perform, many of the tasks being interrelated.
Compared to the 1970's and early 80's the office environment is undergoing dramatic changes:
- Flatter Hierarchies Middle management is being reduced, leaving upper management and subordinate people
who carry out the day to day operations.
- Network Style Instead of going through the old proper channels of one superior to the next, people are
directly contacting the person who will solve their problems. This is a result of reducing middle management.
- International Out of country projects are becoming more commonplace even in relatively small companies.
Because of the changes to the office environment there is a need for appropriate CSCW technology. Groupware is
beginning to address the above changes to the work-place.
pfeifer@cpsc.ucalgary.ca
Last updated on March 8, 1995