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Shaping Electronic Communication: The Metastructuring of Technology in the Context of Use

Author

Listed:
  • Wanda J. Orlikowski

    (Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 50 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139)

  • JoAnne Yates

    (Sloan School of Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 50 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139)

  • Kazuo Okamura

    (Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., 1006 Kadoma, Osaka 571, Japan)

  • Masayo Fujimoto

    (The Sumitomo Research Institute, Inc., 27-2 Shinkawa 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104, Japan)

Abstract

We argue that the use of electronic communication technologies in changing organizational forms can be facilitated by the explicit and ongoing adaptation of those technologies to changing contexts of use. This paper reports on an exploratory study of the use of a computer conferencing system in a Japanese R&D project group. We found that the system’s use was significantly influenced by the activities of a few individuals who shaped users’ interaction with the conferencing technology, modified features of the technology, and altered the context of use. These activities---which we call technology-use mediation ---promoted effective electronic communication both initially at the point of adoption, as well as over time as needs, preferences, experiences, and conditions changed. Drawing on these insights, we develop a theoretical framing of the mediation process which suggests that it can be a powerful organizational mechanism for helping organizations provide the ongoing attention and resources needed to adapt electronic communication technologies to changing conditions, contexts, and organizational forms.

Suggested Citation

  • Wanda J. Orlikowski & JoAnne Yates & Kazuo Okamura & Masayo Fujimoto, 1995. "Shaping Electronic Communication: The Metastructuring of Technology in the Context of Use," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 6(4), pages 423-444, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:6:y:1995:i:4:p:423-444
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.6.4.423
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