Abstract
The potential benefits of groupware, multi-user computer technology to support communication or collaboration, have been shown in laboratory settings and case studies. However, some types of groupware are not being adopted as quickly as expected. A metaphorical model of groupware diffusion/adoption is proposed based on ecological analogies to island biogeography and ecological succession. The groupware is viewed as new species entering the organizational ecology. This paper outlines methodology and approach to study the use, development, and diffusion of this groupware technology in the context of a medium-sized technical consulting organization with a decentralized Information technology (IT) management. This model is also tied to other models of IT diffusion/adoption including Davis's IT acceptance model and adaptive structuration.
Recommended Citation
LePoire, David, "The Development of an Ecological Metaphor for tracking the Adoption and Diffusion of Groupware in Organizations" (1999). AMCIS 1999 Proceedings. 348.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/amcis1999/348