文章基本信息

标题：Social richness, socio-technical tension and the virtual commissioning of NHS research
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作者：Philip A Morgan ; Christine A McCourt ; Penny Youll 等
期刊名称：Health Research Policy and Systems
印刷版ISSN：1478-4505
电子版ISSN：1478-4505
出版年度：2007
卷号：5
期号：1
页码：8
DOI：10.1186/1478-4505-5-8
语种：English
出版社：BioMed Central
摘要：This paper draws on a recent study that evaluated the process of commissioning NHS funded research using virtual committees. Building on an earlier paper that reported our evaluation, here we focus on the effects of asynchronous computer mediated communication (CMC) when used to support group work. To do this the discussion focuses on how CMC affected three key group factors, building relationships, group cohesion and group commitment. The notion of socio-technical tension is elaborated and the paper explores how social richness can act to counter the socially impoverishing and time extending effects of asynchronous CMC. We argue that social richness in this context results from the presence of five principal influences. These are: a dynamic range of participant aspirations and personal agendas; participant commitment to and identification with the work and ideals of the group; a rich diversity of social, professional and work-related backgrounds; a website designed to enhance participation and interaction and the mediating effects of an effective chairperson. If virtual work groups are to be used by the NHS in the future, then there is a need for more research into the role of social context and its relationship to the effectiveness of newly formed virtual groups. Equally as important are studies that examine the effects of socio-technical interaction on groups undertaking tasks in the real world of work.
关键词：Group Cohesion ; Social Information Processing ; Collaborative Enquiry Group ; Computer Mediate Communication ; Interpersonal Attraction