Workplace e-Collaboration in Practice: Practice Guidelines for Implementing e-Collaboration in Organizations

Abstract

This chapter delivers results of ongoing research activities regarding workplace e-collaboration and is based on theoretical findings, analysis of software tools, as well as findings from a research project at the University of St. Gallen. The main objective of this chapter is to present theoretical foundations as well as practical implications for implementing workplace e-collaboration in organizations. After providing an overview of the state-of-the-art, background and need for action, a holistic model for e-collaboration is presented. Based upon this model, technological functionalities to be found in software tools for e-collaboration will be elaborated, described and categorized. Additionally, cultural and organizational aspects to be taken into consideration for e-collaborating team leaders and members will be defined and analyzed, both from a theoretical as well as from a practical point of view. Finally, findings from evaluating the elaborated model will be presented and the chapter concludes with a general discussion and future trends.