* * Some Background * *
Most research within the management information systems (MIS) literature
recognize some relationship between the social environment within an
organization and how successfully new computer-mediated communication
(CMC) technologies are used. However, none of the current research
provides a *composite measure* of the social climate for CMC technology
implementation. Supported by over 50 years of theory and research on
climate, the proposed research applies the concept of climate to
implementation research. Climate, defined here as employees' perceptions
of the events, behaviors, practices, and procedures active in the
organization, is extended to a specific climate for CMC technology
implementation. The proposed research develops and tests a quantitative
measure of the implementation-related events, behaviors, practices, and
procedures active in the organization that effects the use of CMC
technology.
* * Benefits of Participation * * Computer-mediated communication
technologies provide powerful benefits to organizations (e.g., information
availability, improved intra- and inter-group communication, improved
group performance). However, these benefits are usually difficult to
measure. The proposed research supports implementation efforts in four
ways:
1. A clear definition and quantitative measure of 'implementation
success."
2. A focus on the "human side" of the implementation process.
3. A methodologically sound evaluation of implementation predictors and
outcomes.
4. An opportunity to evaluate and improve current implementation efforts.
The final results will indicate which implementation activities are most
effective in supporting electronic communication technology in the
organization and which activities may need further development.
Perhaps I should add a fifth benefit here: the knowledge that you will be
helping a graduate student (a.k.a. well-educated and underpaid) finish his
dissertation and *finally* graduate : )
Interested? Have leads on possible research sites? Please contact me via
personal e-mail (david_meyer@ncsu.edu) for further information.
Thanks,
David Meyer
ABD (All But Dissertation)
Organizational Psychology and Human Resource Development
North Carolina State University
e-mail: david_meyer@ncsu.edu
voice: 208.344.1110
fax: 208.344.1197
--David Meyer <david_meyer@ncsu.edu>
Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>