Abstract
The term e-collaboration refers to collaboration among individuals involved in the execution of common tasks using electronic technologies (Kock, 2005, 2007). Therefore, e-collaboration can be seen as a broad term that refers to a range of technology-supported activities, such as those using computer-mediated communication technologies, telephone and telephone-like devices, and group support systems (Kock, 2005a, 2005b). Those technologies are generally referred to as e-collaboration technologies.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Collaborative Task: Task that is often conducted by a group of people with support of e-collaboration technologies.
E-Collaboration Technology: Comprises not only the communication medium created by an e-collaboration technology but also the technology’s features that have been designed to support collaborative work.
Global Warming: Effect suggesting that burning fossil fuels leads to a rise in global temperatures, with potentially disastrous consequences looming on the horizon.
Action Research: Research approach in which inquiry is seen as aimed at having a positive impact on the participating organizations and society at the same time the investigation is being conducted.
National Science Foundation: Main federal government agency of the United States focusing on science and technology research funding.
European Union: Country group comprising 25 European countries—Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
E-Collaboration: Collaboration using electronic technologies among different individuals to accomplish a common task.