Conceptualising computer-mediated communication technology and its use in organisations

This paper develops a typology of computer-mediated communication (CMC) media that goes beyond media characteristics theories (such as media richness) by considering aspects of the media use context in addition to the characteristics and capabilities of the media themselves. A view of communication as a two-way and mutually causal process which focuses attention on the interrelationship of those who communicate as well as the media through which they communicate is taken. We also highlight the importance of the context in which the communication takes place. In supporting research and practice which recognises the context and interrelationships in organisational communication, this paper has utilised Adaptive Structuration Theory to develop a framework for the conceptualisation of CMC technologies in organisational use. This framework focuses not only on the media characteristics themselves, but upon broader aspects of CMC use such as organisational or usage contexts; group goals, processes and outcomes; and decision-making processes.